FAQ
What is a developmental disability?
The P.D.D. (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) Board defines a developmental disability as being "based on a functional model, looking at how individuals functions within their environment. It refers to a specific pattern of intellectual and functional limitations, accompanied by strengths in some areas."
Why does SELECTIONS call itself a Career Support Service?
SELECTIONS staff assist each individual in making a career choice by providing personalized assessments, then finding an appropriate
volunteer or job placement.
Each client works with a Career Development Coordinator (CDC) on the
job site. The CDC is a job "coach" who provides whatever additional
training or support is needed for the client to become increasingly
independent with job tasks.
The CDC becomes a liaison for the employer as well to ensure that their
business needs are being met.
Doesn't a job "coach" just get in the way of employees?
CDC's are sensitive to creating as normal a working environment as possible, as quickly as possible, for both the client from SELECTIONS and the business's previous employees. Ongoing support may begin for the entire shift duration, with fading out occurring gradually, or support might be minimal and purely observational from the beginning of employment. Each situation is individually assessed. Remember, an individual from SELECTIONS is placed into a site where he/she contributes to the team productivity. Clients' skills and abilities are appropriately matched to tasks so reliance on the usual corporate training and inherent supports becomes possible.
As an employer, how do I know that a client from SELECTIONS will do the job as I need it to be done?
You might want to take a tour of our current job placements and review some testimonials of current and past employers. They will attest to our success in monitoring our client's current and potential ability to do the job. The CDC's liaison role is particularly effective when communicating with managers and peers on the job. Nobody "forces" a fit.
As a business owner, I'm very concerned with my "bottom line". I need fewer people with more versatility. Why would I want to hire someone with restricted abilities?
You might want to take a look at the lists of benefits to clients, employers, and the community in order to evaluate your contribution to providing diversity in the workplace. Briefly, though, we find that especially during times of financial struggle or cutbacks, there is a need for a business to find an economical solution to completing a day's work. Often staff are overloaded with their demands and they would benefit from having a person found for them who is willing to put together several leftover tasks in order to create one steady part-time position. We are skilled at working with you to "carve out" a position that matches your needs with an individual's abilities.
Oftentimes there is high turnover within businesses because employees outgrow their satisfaction with hours and pay. This happens with SELECTIONS clients as well, however, not as regularly as with people who tend to have many more options readily available to them. Employee loyalty is a key benefit.
Doesn't it cost me more money to hire from an agency?
Not at all. We are very cost effective because, for no charge, we seek out and provide a suitable employee. Then we provide any additional training or monitoring that may be required so that your standards are met. Incidentally, if the job doesn't work out, there is no loss to you, and if you're open to the option, we try another suitable candidate, again, at no cost to you.
Can I trust someone with a developmental disability to work around machinery? What happens if there's an accident on the job?
Accidents happen within all populations of employees, not just within those with a disability. You might be surprised to know that in over 25 years of operation, SELECTIONS has worked with approximately 300 clients. Of this group, there have been less than a dozen injuries happen on the job. Only a few of these resulted in Workmen's Compensation claims. SELECTIONS provides insurance coverage for all clients who are on a short-term unpaid job trial, a career exploration. Once you decide that the placement would be suitable, your business treats the SELECTIONS client as you would any other employee, providing the same benefits and protection as for anyone else.
How can I support Selections in supporting the aspirations of people with developmental disabilities?
There a number of opportunities available for individuals and organizations to support Selections. Donations are always welcome and Selections often has products for sale through its office. For more information click here
