Objective
Elcam embodies the principles and values of the Employment First guidelines adopted by the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs. Our employment services provide individuals with disabilities access to services and supports to acheive and maintain appropriate integrated competitive employment within the community.
Employment First
The Employment First philosophy makes integrated, competitive employment the first priority and preferred outcome for individuals with disabilities. It's main objective is provide them access to community-based, integrated work settings that best fit their interest and abilities, including the supports necessary to help them succeed in the workplace. Employment First does not mean employment only and does not deny individual choice, but is intended to encourage individuals with disabilities to consider employment.
Integrated Competitive Employment
Integrated competitive employment is work paid directly by employers at the greater of minimum or prevailing wages, occurring in a typical work setting where the employee with a disability interacts or has the opportunity to interact continuously with co-workers without disabilities.
Services We Offer
Employment can play a key role in a person's self-identity, self-worth and dignity, and can offer a sense of accomplishment. A job can also provide opportunities for social interaction, meaningful friendships, and to be and feel included. Our individualized employment services provide persons with disabilities the training and supports they require to obtain employment, as well as any ongoing support needed for them thrive in the workplace.
Employment services are administered by our Executive Director and Program Specialist, both of whom are Certified Employment Support Professionals (CESP) from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE).
The employment services we offer include:
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Work-Based Learning Experience
High-school level individuals eligible for this service are referred by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) . They are paid employees with a stipend from OVR. Real-work tasks are performed as an introduction to the typical expectations, duties, and environment found in the workplace, for the purpose of exploring career interests upon graduation or determining capabilities in performing specific tasks. This service is provided for 90 hours.
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Community-Based Work Assessment
This is a paid service for the employee, and can be administered at several locations. The service provides an opportunity for the individual to explore their own skills and interests within the context of a real job setting in the community. The intent is to determine the individual’s employment preferences, physical or mental capabilities, and support needs in a competitive level job using community based sites. This service is provided for 30 to 50 hours.
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Job Shadowing
This is a non-paid service, usually provided at a job site that the individual is interested in working at in the future. It allows an individual a chance to experience the atmosphere, duties and responsibilities of a particular job by observing another employee perform their work at their place of employment.
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Job Coaching
With this service, the individual obtains integrated competitive employment at a local community employer, and is accompanied by a qualified job coach. The job coach will support the individual and the employer with communication, training, and job support for as long as necessary. However, the ultimate goal is that as the individual gains experience and confidence, supports provided by the job coach will fade.
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Support Services
We offer various services to help individuals obtain and maintain integrated competitive employment. From assistance in resume writing, interviewing skills, and job searching to transportation and job training, we provide individuals with all the help and support they may need.
Community Employers
Local employers who share the Employment First philosophy are essential to the program's continued success. Below is a list of some of the employers who have hired individuals with disabilities through our employment services:
- Hoss's Steak and Seahouse
- McDonald's Restaurants
- St. Marys Catholic Cemetary
- Ridgemont Nursing Home
- Wildwoods Bar and Grill
- Elk County Foods
- The Nutrition Group (St. Marys Area School District Cafeteria)
- St. Marys Home and Hardware
- WDDH (The Hound) 97.5 FM
- Horizon Technology, Inc.
- LEDVANCE
- Pizza Palace
- Save-A-Lot Food Stores
- DCNR Bureau of Forestry
- Kennedy Signs
- Silvercreek Terrace
- Walmart
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