Pathway to Employment

Program Description

Pathway to Employment is an OPWDD-funded, person-centered service designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities explore career interests, identify their strengths, develop employment skills, and create a plan for achieving their employment goals.

CVES works individually with participants to learn more about their interests, abilities, support needs, and preferred work environments. Through a combination of career exploration, skill development, community experiences, and work-based assessments, participants gain a better understanding of the types of employment that may be a good fit for them.

The service culminates in an individualized Career/Vocational Plan that identifies the participant’s employment goals, strengths, support needs, and recommended next steps toward competitive employment.

Program Highlights

Pathway to Employment provides individualized opportunities to:

• • • Explore career interests and employment possibilities
    • Identify strengths, skills, preferences, and support needs
    • Participate in career and vocational assessments
    • Experience different workplaces and job tasks
    • Develop workplace readiness and employability skills
    • Build communication, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills
    • Learn about workplace expectations
    • Identify transportation and other employment-related needs
    • Participate in community-based work experiences
    • Develop an individualized plan for next steps toward employment

The program is particularly helpful for individuals who are interested in employment but may need additional exploration and experience to determine the type of work and supports that will help them be successful.

How to Access Services

Pathway to Employment is an OPWDD-funded service. Individuals must be eligible for OPWDD services and have Pathway to Employment authorized in their service plan.

CVES accepts referrals and works collaboratively with individuals, families, Care Managers, and Self-Direction teams to determine whether the program is an appropriate fit and assist with the referral process.

Contact Information & Office Location

Champlain Valley Educational Services
RISE Center for Success Plattsburgh, New York

Transition Services Office
Phone: 518-561-0100
Email: robinson_tonya@cves.org

OPWDD Steps to Employment