How to Access Job Coaching and Placement Services Through DDD

Understanding How to Access Job Services through DDD

For individuals with developmental disabilities seeking employment opportunities, accessing the right support services is crucial. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers a variety of programs and resources designed to facilitate employment, including job coaching, supported employment, and technical assistance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to navigate the process of obtaining these services, the roles involved, eligibility criteria, and available resources to help connect individuals with suitable employment opportunities.

Starting Your Journey: Eligibility and Initial Steps

What are the eligibility criteria for DDD employment services?

Individuals seeking employment services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) must meet specific eligibility requirements. Primarily, applicants should have a physical or mental impairment that significantly hampers their ability to work, and these disabilities typically manifest before the age of 21. To qualify, applicants must reside within New Jersey and maintain current Medicaid eligibility.

The assessment process often involves the NJ Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJ CAT), which helps determine the level of support needed. Prospective participants who receive Social Security disability benefits or hold a 'Ticket to Work' are generally presumed eligible, easing access to services.

Applicants are required to familiarize themselves with the Consumer Information Handbook and submit either a full or a short application. A crucial partner in this process is the support coordinator, who will develop an individualized service plan tailored to the person’s employment goals. The process may include navigating waiting lists or meeting specific qualifying criteria, especially for programs that offer targeted support. Demonstrating a strong desire to work, despite the barriers posed by a disability, is also part of the eligibility considerations.

How can individuals access employment support and job coaching services through DDD?

For those interested in employment services, the initial step often involves engaging with the Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). DVRS provides comprehensive employment support, including job coaching, job placement, and vocational assessments.

If an individual is ineligible for DVRS, or if they have already used those services extensively, they can then turn to Division-funded programs such as the supported employment initiatives, career planning, and pre-vocational training programs managed by DDD. These services are designed to help individuals develop skills, explore career options, and find suitable employment.

Support coordinators play a vital role by explaining the available services and assisting in developing an employment plan aligned with the individual’s interests and capabilities. They also guide individuals through the Pathway to Employment process, which encompasses activities like job development, job sampling, workplace training, and ongoing support.

Supported employment services typically involve multiple phases: pre-placement activities like assessments and outreach, intensive on-the-job coaching once employed, and long-term follow-up to ensure job retention. Various programs, such as CAU’s Supported Employment and Project HIRE, offer customized assistance, including workplace sampling, community-based job placement, and ongoing support, all aimed at helping individuals achieve meaningful, competitive employment in integrated settings.

How to initiate the application process?

Beginning the journey toward supported employment involves several initial steps. Individuals should first evaluate their eligibility based on disability criteria and residency in New Jersey. Engaging with a support coordinator early on is crucial, as they help explain services, assist with applications, and develop personalized plans.

The application process involves submitting relevant documentation, completing intake assessments like the NJ CAT, and reading the Consumer Information Handbook thoroughly. Once accepted, the support coordinator collaborates with the individual to create an Individual Service Planning (ISP) document that includes employment goals.

After establishing eligibility and a support plan, individuals may need to join waiting lists for specific services or programs. Throughout this process, the support coordinator remains a vital resource, guiding the individual through each step and ensuring their preferences and needs are central to the planning and service delivery.

Getting started with supported employment services is a collaborative effort that requires understanding eligibility, working closely with coordinators, and actively participating in planning activities to pave the way for successful employment outcomes.

The Phases of Supported Employment and Key Program Components

What phases are involved in supported employment, and what activities occur in each?

Supported employment is organized into three main phases, each focusing on different aspects of helping individuals with disabilities find and keep a job.

The first phase is Pre-Placement. During this stage, assessments are conducted to understand the person's strengths, interests, and potential barriers to employment. Support staff work on developing job seeking skills, identifying suitable job opportunities, and reaching out to local businesses to promote employment options. This phase aims to prepare individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills before they start working.

Once a job has been secured, the process transitions into Intensive Job Coaching. In this phase, support involves orientation to the new job, ongoing job coaching, and training tailored to the employee’s role. Accommodations and workplace supports are implemented to assist with any challenges. Periodic coaching helps the individual build confidence and competence, gradually reducing support as the employee becomes more independent.

The final phase is Long-Term Follow Along (LTFA). After stabilizing in their job, individuals receive ongoing support to maintain their employment. This may include periodic follow-up visits, career planning, and assistance with personnel changes or workplace issues. Support hours may be up to thirty per week if needed, but transportation costs are typically not covered in these services. The primary goal throughout all phases is to sustain competitive, community-based employment.

Resources, Support Networks, and Program Collaboration

What resources and contact points are available for employment support through DDD?

Individuals seeking employment support through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) have access to a variety of resources and support organizations. The official DDD website serves as a central hub of information, offering details on available programs, employment data, and links to both state and community resources.

For direct assistance, regional offices and local office locators can connect individuals to support contacts, helping navigate the array of services. The organization PRIDE Industries provides specialized employment coaching, job placement, and ongoing support tailored for people with disabilities.

Another vital resource is the I AM ABLE Helpline, which offers free information about employment services and connections to contacts at the Department of Rehabilitation (DVR) and related community organizations. These points of contact help coordinate efforts across agencies and ensure individuals receive comprehensive employment support.

Within the community, organizations partner with DDD to develop employment opportunities. For example, the RCOC (Rehabilitation Center of the Counties) collaborates on inclusive employment initiatives.

Individuals can also reach out via email or phone helplines for referrals or further assistance, making it easier to access personalized support for employment goals. These combined resources aim to create a robust support network that facilitates successful employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities.

What support resources are available for employers and employment providers?

Employers and employment providers benefit from a broad range of resources and technical assistance programs designed to foster inclusive work environments. The Boggs Center, for example, offers both in-person and virtual training sessions, covering foundational topics for new supported employment staff as well as advanced subjects such as assistive technology, employer engagement, and leadership development.

The Center for Supportive Employment collaborates with DDD to promote Employment First principles, which prioritize competitive employment in integrated community settings.

Additionally, the DCW Strategies Center operated by ACL provides training aimed at improving workforce recruitment, retention, and the integration of support services. These training programs include webinars, open resource materials, and biweekly office hours to address specific questions.

Organizations like the National Alliance on Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) provide professional development opportunities that help DSPs enhance their skills, better serve individuals with disabilities, and advance their careers. This investment in workforce education contributes to more effective and sustainable employment support.

Overall, these resources and training initiatives help build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, foster strong employer-organization partnerships, and promote best practices for supporting individuals with disabilities in competitive employment.

Role of employment support aides and community supports

Employment support aides (ESAs) play a vital role in day-to-day job assistance for individuals with disabilities. They provide on-the-job support, including attendance, personal care, behavioral support, and workplace adaptations, that enables individuals to succeed in their roles.

Community supports extend beyond direct employment services. These include transportation assistance—critical for enabling consistent attendance—housing, childcare, and social integration initiatives. Partnerships with organizations like the American Job Center connect individuals to further educational and social services.

In the context of supported employment, these community supports help sustain employment stability and promote full social participation. Support aides work alongside individuals in roles such as individual supported employment (ISE) or group supported employment (GSE), ensuring that workplace accommodations and personal needs are met.

By coordinating with community resources and employment services, support aides help tailor employment experiences that are respectful, sustainable, and aligned with individual goals. Their work is integral to creating inclusive work environments where people with developmental disabilities can thrive.

Supporting Your Path to Employment with DDD Resources

Navigating the array of employment services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities can seem overwhelming at first, but with proper understanding and support, individuals with disabilities can find meaningful, competitive employment opportunities. Using resources like support coordinators, understanding the phases of supported employment, and utilizing community partnerships and technical assistance resources will help you develop a personalized employment plan. Remember, staying informed about eligibility, available support programs, and local contacts ensures a proactive approach to achieving your employment goals. DDD’s comprehensive supports empower individuals to thrive in the workforce, advancing social inclusion and economic independence.

References

• [PDF] DDD Employment Support Services - Disability Rights New Jersey
• DDD Supported Employment Services - SCARC
• Division of Developmental Disabilities | Employment - NJ.gov
• [PDF] Entering Supported Employment–Individual Employment ... - NJ.gov
• OVR Individualized Employment Services
• Supported Employment
• [PDF] DDD Employment Services: Do You Want To Work?
• Supported Employment Services in NJ | Community Access Unlimited
• Project HIRE - The Arc of New Jersey
• Supported Employment (SE) - Waters and Sims