Employment
Support
Mainstay provides individualized job development and support for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Our team helps job seekers to learn more about their skills and interests, and navigate the job development process. Once employed, we provide needed support, with the goal of independence on the job.
Work Assessments
Mainstay’s Employment Specialists help job seekers through every step of the employment process, starting with Community-Based Work Assessments. These assessments are unpaid work trials, across multiple work environments and varying tasks, that help job explorers refine a vocational goal. Through this experience the people supported and our team members uncover skills, interests, and identify potential challenges to employment success.
To learn more, complete the referral form and choose “Employment Support.”
Meet Jessica
When Jessica was going through the Work Assessment process, she learned about administrative tasks at a local museum. This provided her with exposure to different roles in that setting and provided opportunities to work as a member of a small team. Through the assessment process, Jessica discovered that she enjoys administrative work and decided to pursue this line of work!
Meet Jack
High quality, individualized job development includes meeting the right employers at the right time and building trust from the start. Lindsey, an Employment Specialist at Mainstay, worked with Jack and the hiring manager at a local hotel and conference center to create an interview for a customized role that focused solely on vacuuming and dusting common areas. A traditional, Question-and-Answer style interview might not reveal Jack’s strengths and interest in completing these tasks, and the hiring manager agreed to move forward with a nontraditional interview to give Jack the opportunity to demonstrate his aptitude with these skills. Everyone involved was thrilled with Jack’s individualized employment journey!
Job Development
After job seekers complete a Community-Based Work Assessment and a sustainable job goal has been identified, our team supports them through an individualized Job Development process. This may include developing their resume, practicing interviews, assisting with job applications, and so much more.
To learn more, complete the referral form and choose “Employment Support.”
Job Placement
Identifying a Job Placement that matches a person’s skills and interests is paramount for sustainability. Based on the needs of the worker and their employer, our team will provide onboarding assistance on or off the job site. This could include direct job coaching and mentoring.
To learn more, complete the referral form and choose “Employment Support.”
Meet Leslie
It had been several years since Leslie had worked competitively in the community. With support from Employment Specialist Amy, she was offered a job at a local grocery store. Leslie is thrilled to be working again, and she thoroughly enjoys being of service in her community. She is proud of her ability to maintain the organization of the store’s inventory, and the opportunity to socialize with coworkers and neighbors.
Meet Katriana
In the past, Katriana had only experienced working in the community through specialized work-group activities. With support from Amy, one of Mainstay's Employment Specialists, Katriana accepted an offer from the SSA Hospitality Group at the Pittsburgh Zoo. She received the support she needed to get acclimated to her work environment and thrived in her role. Congratulations to Katriana for finding a job she loves and to her successful employment journey!
Job Stablization
There is no better feeling, for the employment support team than when a person supported and/or the employer tells us our services are no longer needed. Job Stabilization comes from a good job match that aligns with a person’s skills and interests, and effective job coaching as needed.
When the employment process is completed thoroughly and thoughtfully, success can lead to independence on the job. Mainstay is here for the people we serve at any stage of the process.
To learn more, complete the referral form and choose “Employment Support.”
Make a Referral
Are you interested in learning more about Mainstay’s programs, services, employment opportunities, events, and more? Complete the Referral Form and we’ll be back in touch soon!
Picture Yourself
at Mainstay
Are you looking for a life-changing and impactful career? Join a team that Enriches Lives and Unlocks Potential for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Check out our opportunities and apply today!