Employment Exploration
Exploration is an important process for any person seeking employment. It is a way of both demonstrating and experiencing options before committing to one path. We have found that people benefit greatly learning by experience. Our goal is to help individuals find their chosen path through experience, community and skill building development.
According to The Department of Human Services in Minnesota:
Exploration services help a person gain a better understanding of competitive, integrated employment opportunities in his/her community. Exploration activities and experiences strengthen a person’s knowledge, interests and preferences so he/she/they can make informed decisions about competitive employment. Employment exploration includes:
Individualized educational activities
Learning opportunities
Work experiences
Additional related services identified in the person’s coordinated services and supports plan (CSSP).
To receive employment exploration services, a person must both:
Be eligible for BI, CAC, CADI or DD waiver services
Have employment exploration services as an assessed need in his/her coordinated services and supports plan (CSSP).
SOME EXAMPLES OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES:
Career education activities to learn about specific types of occupations, job positions and work opportunities
Ongoing educational information and counseling assistance about jobs/careers that interest the person
Peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities to meet and learn from people with disabilities who are employed in competitive, community jobs
Job shadowing and try-out experiences for work involved in different occupations
Employment education support groups (e.g., job clubs)
Individualized work experiences, including volunteer work experiences
Education about post-secondary educational opportunities that enhance employment, community employment resources and use of transportation services