For Employers
Benefits of Hiring a Supported Employee
Greater Workforce Diversity
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion create stronger, more creative, and more resilient workplaces. Our job seekers bring unique insight and lived experience to their employers.
Potential Tax Credits
There are tax incentives available for employers who hire workers who are receiving state and/or federal assistance. All of our job seekers are people with disabilities who are receiving support from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, which is one of the categories on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. There may be other financial incentives, as well. Learn more at the Kentucky Career Center website.
Additional Job Coaching
We provide additional training to our job seekers both on and off the job site. We can help reinforce your company policies and procedures, practice and reinforce skills, and assist with trouble-shooting (and problem-solving) for the kinds of common problems that frequently impact employee performance. We can even help when a transition needs to happen (to a new role, department, promotion, etc.).
Improved Customer Loyalty
About 1 in 10 Americans has a loved one with a disability, and they tend to be more loyal to businesses with a proven track record of inclusion.
Lower Turnover
Person-Centered Job Selection helps find better skill and company culture matches, which equates to higher retention rates. Additionally, Employment Specialists can also help the job seeker learn the "soft skills" that are needed to be a successful employee in today's workforce. We help job seekers develop a solid work ethic; develop positive relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and customers/clients; and figure out appropriate solutions for transportation and childcare.
FAQs
Is my company responsible for paying for your services?
No. All of the support services provided to our job seekers is fully funded by the KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. You will never be expected to pay for our help.
Can the employer call the Employment Specialist if there is a concern or question?
Yes. All of our clients have given us permission to speak directly with the employer on their behalf. We encourage employers to call us to discuss concerns, questions, and praise. We may even check-in with you occasionally, if you like.
What does “supported employment” mean?
Supported Employment means that a job seeker is receiving additional assistance in order to achieve their employment goals. This looks different for every job seeker. Very independent job seekers may utilize our services outside of work hours in the form of advising, teaching, and encouragement from their Employment Support Professional (or “job coach”). Some of our job seekers will ask us to help them complete onboarding paperwork, assist with navigating computer training modules, and accompany them to orientation to help them connect with their supervisor and communicate needed accommodations. A few of our job seekers will need a little extra on-the-job training, which we can help provide to free up your regular trainer for other duties.
Question #4
Stay tuned.
How often will an Employment Support Professional check on my employee?
That really depends on several factors, including input from you. For most of our clients (your employees), we are more present during the pre-employment and onboarding & orientation phases than we will be in future months. We check in with our clients at least twice per month for the first year they are working at their new job. Whether we check-in at the jobsite or elsewhere will depend on your policies as the employer and the client’s preferences.
Question #5
Stay tuned
Resource for Employers
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
All of our job seekers are receiving state-funded support through the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. If you hire one of our candidates, you will likely qualify for the WOTC. Learn more about the WOTC here and here.
Job Accommodation Network
We help job seekers with disabilities discover and ask for reasonable accommodations to perform their duties, when appropriate. AskJAN provides suggestions for practically every disability type.
Southeast ADA Center
If you’ve got questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (and how it affects your specific situation), the Southeast ADA Center can help!
Kentucky Coalition for Workforce Diversity
Kentucky Employers are invited to join the Coalition for Workforce Diversity to connect with great job seekers and their support partners. Learn more about the Coalition here.