Career Exploration with small groups to support development in skills specific to client’s career/employment goals.

Staff support services that enable the individual to learn skills to work toward competitive integrated employment; Transportation to, from, and within the activity; Nurse Health Case Management services; and Personal care assistance can be provided during activities so long as it is not the primary or only service provided. Personal care assistance is defined as services to assist the individual in performance of activities of daily. Staffing is based on level of service need.

Career Exploration may not exceed a maximum of eight (8) hours per day (including other Community Development, Employment Service – On-going Supports and Day Habilitation services). Career Exploration is limited to 40 hours per week.

(Scope)

Career Exploration is time limited services to help individuals learn skills to work toward competitive integrated employment.

  1. Teaching methods based on recognized best practices are used such as systematic instruction.
  2. Career Exploration provide the individual with opportunities to develop skills related to work in a competitive employment position in an integrated community environment including learning:
    1. skills for employment, such as time-management and strategies for completing work tasks;
    2. socially acceptable behavior in a work environment;
    3. effective communication in a work environment; and
    4. self-direction and problem-solving for a work task.
  3. Career Exploration includes -Small Group Supports;
    1. Small Group Supports are provided in groups of between two (2) and eight (8) individuals total where the group completes work tasks on a contract-basis in the community and Inclusion will be the employer of record and enters into the contract on behalf of the group.
    2. Facility-Based Supports can be provided at a 229 Main St, Laurel Md 20707 for contractual work Monday-Friday only.

(Setting and Location)

Career Exploration services can be provided in a variety of settings in the community or 229 Washington Blvd S. Laurel Md 20707 the headquarters of Inclusion Services Inc.

(Staff and Training)

Staff working for or contracted with the agency as well as volunteers utilized in providing any direct support services or spend any time alone with an individual must meet the following minimum standards:

  1. Be at least 18 years old;
  2. Have required credentials, license, or certification as noted below;
  3. Possess current First Aid and CPR certification;
  4. Pass a criminal background investigation and any other required background checks and credentials;
  5. Complete necessary pre/in-service training based on the Person-Centered Plan;
  6. Complete the training designated by DDA. All new hires must complete the DDA required training prior to independent service delivery and at least every three years
  7. Possess a valid driver’s license, if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to provide services;
  8. Have automobile insurance for all automobiles that are owned, leased, and/or hired and used in the provision of services.

Inclusion Services requires the very best qualities in direct care staff. Direct Care Staff in all of our service areas, whether full or part-time are trained in all aspects listed below. In addition to the required DDA training, in order to be hired by the Agency a person must pass an initial drug screening and random drug tests throughout their period of employment. They also must pass a criminal records check, driving records check, and provide three work references which are scrupulously checked.

As part of the pre-employment process, prospective staff are required to take basic skills testing for math, reading, healthy food menu building, computer skills knowledge, and a writing sample. If a person fails to meet any of these requirements, he/she will not be hired by the company.

Inclusion Services believes in making sure our workers are extremely well trained. Workers receive training in the following areas:

Aging CPR Incident Reporting
Blood-borne Pathogens Defensive Driving Individual Plans (IDOOPI)
Behavior Principles and Strategies (BPS Units 1-4) Fire Safety Medication Administration (Residential Staff)
Communicable Disease First Aid OSHA
Communication Skills Fundamental Rights Seizure Disorders
Community Integration General Characteristics & Needs Supporting Individuals in Making Choices

Additional trainings are provided based on the individual needs of the person receiving services.

A number of staff are Certified Medication Technicians and would be able to administer medications off site, as needed. Special needs for some individuals may include blood glucose checks, dietary needs, toileting, etc. and will be accommodated for during the day. Staffing will be coordinated by the respective Program Manager in the Day and Vocational programs.