Employment for Persons Served
It is ELARC's commitment to encourage and support the employment and career goals of the people we serve.
Our goal is to provide information about how to find a job, how working at a job could impact benefits, who provides employment services, employment opportunities in the community, and information about transitioning into adult life. For more information, view our Employment Handbook.(PDF, 111KB)
Transitioning to Adult Life
Transitioning to adult life can come with many challenges but it can also include exciting opportunities! There are many things to consider and decisions to make. You may want to attend college after leaving high school, or attend a vocational school, or maybe start working right away. Whatever path you choose, it is important to give yourself plenty of time to plan, research, and talk with your parents and other important people in your life about what you want to do.
One important area of adult life is employment. Having a job makes it possible for you to earn money to pay for your needs and leisure activities. But finding a job takes planning and preparation. It's also very important to know what you're good at and what areas you need help in order to find a job that fits you. There are a number of resources available to support you.
Success Stories
Watch Nikita's inspiring story of becoming an artist and how a Paid Internship Program has supported the growth of her Micro-enterprise.
Check out Nikita's website, "Fish Kisses A lifestyle Blog".
Be on the lookout for future art showcases! Follow Nikita on Instagram @ARTBOSSNIKITA or TikTok @WORLDOFNIKITA.
We would like to thank The Institute for the Redesign of Learning and Siren Arts for this inspiring video.
For more information regarding the Paid Internship Program, please contact ELARC's Employment Team at employment@elarc.org.
We are proud to share with you, on an ongoing basis, individual employment success stories of our consumers and hope their stories serve as a point of information, motivation, and inspiration! View additional success stories below:
Coordinated Career Pathways
Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) is a new service that helps people with developmental disabilities achieve their career goals. It will help people find jobs in the community that offer equal pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth, regardless of whether they have a disability. These types of jobs are called competitive integrated employment. ELARC is currently developing this new service and will keep our community updated as we proceed.
(CCP) is specifically designed for individuals with developmental disabilities served by regional centers to achieve Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) or post-secondary education. It is targeted for individuals within 2 years of exiting high school (including students that elect to graduate early) and individuals who are exiting or recently exited a work activity program or other subminimum wage setting. CCP services will be tailored to the specific needs and work goals of the individual being served through development of a Person Centered Career Plan. CCP has two services – A Career Pathway Navigator (CPN) and Customized Employment Specialist (CES).
Contact ELARC Employment Specialist Stephanie Ulloa-Gonzalez at sulloa@elarc.org for more information.
Seeking a Job
Being an adult is a time when you decide what you want to do with your life.
Some questions you might be asked include:
- What do you want to be or do with your free time?
- Do you want to go to school?
- Do you want a job?
- Do you want to make/have money?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years from now?
- Do you want to buy a car, a home, go on trips, etc.?
ELARC is committed in identifying employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities who want to work.
The focus of this section is to provide you with resources, options, and information to help you find a job that meets your needs.
Things to Consider when Looking for a Job
Your skills, accommodations, preferences, difficulties ,or any other assistance needed.
PCT Employment Questionnaire(PDF, 76KB)
This tool can help you clarify, identify, and discuss your employment goals. Feel free to print it and complete it on your own time or with your circle of support. You are also encouraged to bring this questionnaire to your Service Coordinator to address these goals in your IPP.
Additional information
Your Regional Center Service Coordinator is available to answer any additional questions you may have. If you have comments or concerns to share regarding work, transition, or benefits, please email our Employment Team at employment@elarc.org.
Benefits Planning
Afraid of losing benefits if working or need some assistance understanding work incentives? Here are some resources:
Work Incentives Planning Assistance Program (WIPA):
Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Nina Schultz
Verdugo Jobs Center
1255 South Central Ave.
Glendale, CA 91204
818-937-8020
fschultz@ci.glendale.ca.us
The effect of working on Medi-Cal Benefits and CHIIP (California Health Incentives Improvement Project)
Education
Vocational/Occupational Specific Training Opportunities
America’s Job Centers: (WIPA and other employment services)
Other