Strategies to Help You Keep Get and Keep a Job

Once you find a job the focus will shift to making a smooth transition and having a successful long-term experience.


What are Natural Supports?
Natural interactions between workers and supervisors are important when learning a new job. Every workplace has its own culture and customs, and newcomers will not know them. When are coffee breaks? Is there an annual holiday party? Can I ever have visitors at work? Finding co-workers or a supervisor who understand the work environment can help you to adjust to a new work setting and to be successful at your new tasks on the job. This type of help is sometimes called using "natural supports." Become aware of your work environment, who you connect well with, and what type of assistance you might need. Identifying and utilizing your natural supports can help you fit in, and feel comfortable at your new place of employment. Making the most of your natural supports can help you meet your employer’s expectations at the beginning as well as throughout your job.

How can I develop Natural Supports?

  • If you get your job through networking, you already have a natural support in place. Knowing someone before you get there can be extremely helpful.
  • Participate in all available employee orientation and training sessions.
  • If you are working with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, a job coach, an employment specialist, or a job mentor, discuss workplace culture and natural supports with them. Being aware of how workplaces are different in their culture and the supports available can lead to a smoother transition to a new job.

What should I know about accommodations at work?

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities in order to perform the essential functions of a job. A job accommodation is a change made to a job or to the work environment that allows the worker to do the main job tasks or that makes the job easier to complete.
  • Job accommodations include a wide range of options and depend on individual circumstances. Just a few examples of accommodations include specialized computer software; a change in work schedule; materials in Braille or large print; personal assistance with a task; a building modification; or a job reassignment.
  • Many accommodations are inexpensive or cost nothing at all. The employee is responsible for requesting an accommodation. It is helpful to be able to explain to the employer exactly what is needed and how to make the necessary arrangements, etc.

What is Job Coaching?
There are services available that provide support to persons with disabilities at their job. These services are provided by a job coach and are customized to meet the needs of the employee and employer. Coaching activities may include on-the-job assessment and training to supplement what the employer offers; help to learn the rules, customs and procedures in the workplace; help to get to know coworkers and supervisors; and counseling around disclosure and job accommodation issues. Support may take place directly at the job site, and/or by meeting outside of work to discuss job progress and make plans to resolve any problems or concerns. Job coaching is often faded as the employee becomes more independent.

Where can I get external support on my job?

  • Job-related support is available through various public and private organizations. If you received professional assistance with finding your job, talk to your helper(s) about how they can support you to keep the job. If you found the job on your own but need some help at your workplace, there are numerous community employment service providers to choose from. Some work with persons who have any level/type of disability, while others specialize in a specific type of disability. "Supported Employment" is a term often used to describe the activities provided by employment service programs. Keep in mind the need for funding to pay for services.
  • If you are eligible for their services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) can assign you a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who can directly assist you with support on your job or can fund a community service provider to offer more intensive job support services.
  • If you are unable to get public funding to pay for these services, you may be able to pay on your own (called private payment).
  • Recipients of Social Security disability benefits (SSI and/or SSDI) can take advantage of work incentive programs that can help pay for employment related support services, such as job coaching. Social Security has established a network of Benefits Planning and Outreach (BPA&O) programs that can assist you with maximizing use of your benefits. You can contact one nearest to you by referring to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/ServiceProviders/WIPADirectory.html

For More Information:

  • Quality Employment Programs: Will You Know Them When You See Them?
  • Getting the Most from the Public Rehabilitation System
  • 2005 Social Security Red Book (A Summary Guide To Employment Support For Individuals With Disabilities) (64-030)- http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/
  • http://www.jan.wvu.edu/
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MassHealth/CommonHealth is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides benefits for disabled children, working and non-working adults who have disabilities. Learn more about the eligibility and application process; view a presentation on the Ticket to Work MassHealth and CommonHealth programs.

 
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Massachusetts Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Grant (MI-CEO).

For additional information and resources visit one of the other three grant websites:
Policy Makers and Advocates- www.mi-ceo.org/
Direct Service Providers- www.MassWorks.org/
Employers- www.ForEmployers.com/

This grant is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CFDA #93-768) and administered by UMASS Medical School, Center for Health Policy and Research; UMASS Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion; and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. For more information visit: www.MI-CEO.org

The information contained herein is intended, in its entirety, to serve only as a guideline. While we strive to show the most accurate representation of the various benefits within this website, we take no responsibility for any implied or misconstrued interpretation of the information contained herein.