Ensuring that all individuals lead meaningful, everyday lives is at the heart of our “why” at KenCrest. One way to support a meaningful, everyday life is to assist people with disabilities in developing employment goals and aiding them to nurture and achieve those goals. Our employment team believes that employment services should be available to any person who wants to pursue employment and employment-related skills. Using a variety of tools from person-centered planning to interest inventories and electronic resumes to digital networking, we aim to assist every job seeker to attain their career-related goals and assist them in growing and developing as people and professionals.
Supported Employment
Supported Employment is a service option that empowers people with intellectual disabilities and autism to achieve paid work in their community. The supported employment program at KenCrest encompasses traditional job support methodologies as well as customized employment and school-to-career supports for youth. KenCrest has provided supported employment services in Southeastern, PA for more than 25 years, serving six counties including: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.
Customized Employment
The customized employment process is a flexible blend of strategies, services, and supports designed to increase employment options for job seekers with complex needs through voluntary negotiation of the employment relationship.
KenCrest staff work with business partners to identify a business’s unmet needs and help them realize how a job candidate can benefit their business goals. This results in a creative, customized work opportunity.
Funding
Supported and customized employment funding comes from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Office of Developmental Program (ODP) waivers, school, and/or a combination of these.
Innovation
We have hosted Job Shadow Days for high school students for 16 years, impacting more than 200 students from Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Chester counties. Each of our staff uses Systematic Instruction, a system for breaking down large complex tasks, into smaller, less complex tasks that are easier for people to understand and master. We’re also encouraging people looking for employment opportunities to get involved with our Good Neighbors Time Bank. As a member, a person can exchange goods or services with other members, which might help determine future employment options. The Time Bank is a great place to try out career ideas before launching a full-fledged business. We also participate in many local and statewide employment work groups and forums including National and PA State APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First), Philadelphia Employment Steering Committee, Employment First Berks, and Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA) Employment Committee. This ensures that we remain up to date and participate in the rich community of practice that advocates for innovative and robust employment supports in Pennsylvania.Accredited, Experienced Job Coaches
All KenCrest job coaches possess an accreditation certificate in ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators). Many of our team members are certified in the Discovery & Customized Employment process, giving them the tools to work with people in very creative and innovative ways to connect them with jobs that match their unique talents and gifts. Other team members maintain the Certified Employment Support Professional accreditation.
Network of Business Partners
One of the key factors in our successful adult employment programs is the excellent relationships between our job candidates, the KenCrest team, and our local business partners. The employment team works tirelessly to develop new and exciting collaborations with partners, such as the Philadelphia School District, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Phoenixville Hospital, and the Elmwood Park Zoo.
For more information, contact Sharon Skirkie at sharon.skirkie@kencrest.org.
