Building bridges from school to work for all students with disabilities

Mahoning County Educational Services Center provides work study services to all students between the ages of 14 and 22 who have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

The goal of the Work Study Program is to maximize each student's vocational potential by providing an array of services.

The Work Study Coordinator is a liaison between the home school, vocational school, community agencies, businesses, and parents to assure the appropriate delivery of transition services.

          Program Components        

     Career Development    

Emphasizes the wide range of occupations available, relevancy of school subjects to the occupational areas and self-evaluation in light of career assessment results.

     Activities    

• Career exploration/classroom activities
• Classroom speakers
• Assist with career curriculum/community resources
• Career assessment/referral and scheduling
• Exploration/visitation of Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC)
• Job Shadowing

   

      Work Training    

Consists of structured and planned activities in the school and the community, providing students with an opportunity to apply employability skills and concepts.

     Activities    

• Utilization of Employability Life Skills Assessment (ELSA) results
• Development of pre-vocational skills
• Classroom employability projects
• Job Club
• In-school job development and placement
• Develop community-based training sites for classroom and individual students
• Coordination and implementation of job coaching services
• Collaborate with community-based personnel
• Summer Youth Employment Program

   

     Job Placement    

Those students who have obtained necessary employment skills are considered for placement in the community in a job related to the student's interests and strengths.  Credit may be earned for 160 hours of successful work experience.

     Activities    

• Provide current job market information
• Job search and development for individual students
• Identify transportation options
• Worksite task analysis
• Assist with development and implementation of worksite modifications
• Consultation services to employment site
• Follow along support services
• Work performance evaluations
• Paid community work experience for credit

   

     Transition    

Through the transition phase, necessary linkages and supports are identified, coordinated and implemented to ensure that the student will reach and maintain desired goals and outcomes.

The Work Study Coordinators collaborate with the MCCTC VoSE's on The Transition Team.  The Transition
Team works with professionals in each district to guide students in post-secondary planning.

     Activities    

• Long term planning with students and parents
• Career Counseling
• Interagency Collaboration and referral (VRP3, MCBDD)
• Senior exit interview
• Extended program options
• Post-secondary training information

   

          Consultation Services         

Assistance is provided to promote successful transition from the classroom to community employment for students with disabilities.

     Activities    

• Liaison to MCCTC
• Transition in-services
• Assistance and development of IEP and transition plans
• Teacher consultation
• Collaborate with related services such as OT, PT, speech and general education consultants
• Provide technical support and consultation regarding state mandated transition services and best practices
• Prepare end of the year report

   

Additional activities provided by Work Study Coordinators:

• Serve on Career Fair Planning Committee
• Serve on MCCTC Advisory Committees
• Plan and provide Work Study Appreciation Picnic for students and community agencies
• Serve on community agency committees
• Participate in professional organization (OASCES) Ohio Association Supervisors/Coordinators for Exceptional Students
• Coordination and implementation of Special Education Liaison Program
• Assist with organization of social activities for students with disabilities