Employment Support

We can provide job skills training, job placement assistance and job coaching to people with all types of disabilities.

Independent Living Specialists are available to help with your job search needs. Visit your local Independent Living Center for computer access, and assistance with on-line applications, cover letters, resumes, interview tips, references and more.

Ticket to Work

The Ticket to Work program is a Social Security program designed to assist people receiving SS benefits with returning to the workforce while maintaining their benefits.

For information on employment support programs, including the Ticket to Work program, contact the Independent Living Center in your area.

• Erie County, 716-836-0822
• Niagara County, 716-284-4131
• Genesee Region, 585-815-8501

Work Support Job Club

Offered through Mental Health Peer Connection, the Job Club is a program designed to assist people with mental health diagnosis in obtaining and maintaining employment in their community. Support Services are provided in assisting with developing interview skills, resume and cover letter writing, job searching, peer support, and life management. These employment supports have proven long term, positive outcomes for people with mental health diagnosis through the reduction of hospitalization and increased mental and physical wellness.

Contact

• To learn more about the Job Club, contact Mental Health Peer Connection at 716-836-0822

Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE)

NY State ACCES-VR is collaborating with The New York Association of Independent Living Centers to implement SWTCIE in New York State. SWTCIE’s goal is to reduce the number of people with disabilities working for subminimum wages, and increase the number of people who attain competitive, integrated employment.

Competitive Integrated Employment means work in the community at a minimum of $15.50 per hour (or at the prevailing wage for the job) in the same spaces as people without disabilities and with the same employment-related benefits as people without disabilities.

SWTCIE utilizes a “Customized Employment” approach to job development, through a relationship between the job seeker and employer that is personalized to meet the needs of both. It is a strategy that benefits people, especially people with disabilities, who might not have found success through other employment strategies. SWTCIE participants also work with Benefits Advisors to ensure that they and their supporters have the information needed to protect essential benefits like SSI and Medicaid once they start working.

Eligibility

SWTCIE services are open to individuals with disabilities in Nassau, Suffolk, Cortland, Wayne, Monroe, and Erie County who are working in subminimum wage employment AND to those considering subminimum wage employment in the future.

Contact

• To connect with the SWTCIE program, call ACCES-VR Statewide at 315-428-4284