The Supported Training & Employment Program (STEP) provides community based employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Established in 1992, this program has led to the successful employment of over 200 individuals.
The overall goal of the STEP Program is to assist consumers in obtaining and maintaining community based employment. This goal is accomplished by utilizing the components of Supported Employment.
Eligible participants are assessed to determine their abilities and interest areas. An Employment Training Specialist (ETS) is assigned to each individual. The ETS works one-on-one with the consumer to prepare him or her for the world of competitive employment. Basic job search skills including application/resume writing, and interviewing skills are addressed via Job Readiness Classes.
After the individual chooses the STEP Program as their provider, the ETS, along with the participant, begin an extensive Job Development Process. Job Analysis' are completed at area businesses. These analyses identify the skills and abilities necessary to work at each particular job site. The job analysis becomes a useful tool in matching the individual to the appropriate position in the community.
Once the individual is hired at a job, the ETS provides one-on-one training and support at the community site. Supports such as accomodations and
adaptations to duties or work environment are addressed by the ETS. This intensive training/support continues until the consumer, employer, and team members agree that fading can begin.
For those individuals needing long-term support, the ETS can remain involved with the individual and employer in a follow-up capacity. When funding is available, follow-up services can continue for the duration of the employment opportunity. In addition to the job development, placement, and follow-up services, STEP staff members assist families and individuals with Social Security concerns. The ETS will determine if Social Security Work Incentives can be utilized in each case.
Satisfied Employers Say:
"The STEP Program interested us right away because of the one-on-one training that was offered. Our employee has successfully proven themselves to do the job successfully for three years now. It has been great having the job coach (ETS) continue to stay in touch with us to be sure the employee continues to perform adequately. Having the extra support is a feature that allows the STEP Program to really shine."
Juanet Shefchunas Asst. Program Director
239 Quaker Drive
PO Box 289
Seneca, PA 16346
Office: 814-676-5755
Cell: 814-758-2121
- Sue Keefer
National Piano Sales Manager
Story & Clark Piano Company
Partner agencies for this program for the 2010-2011 school year include: Cranberry and Oil City School Districts, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Riverview Intermediate Unit #6, UPMC Northwest, Venango County MH/MR and VTDC. Plans to expand to 5 school districts in Venango County are underway for the 2011-2012 school year.
Designed as an unpaid internship program, Project SEARCH places students in real-world situations where they learn all aspects of gaining and maintaining a job. UPMC Northwest in Seneca, currently hosts students for the Venango County Program.
Individualized job development and placement occurs based on the student’s experiences, strengths, and skills. A series of job rotations lasting 10 weeks allow students to find positions that best suit their preference. They receive support with accommodations, adaptations, and on the job coaching.
Susanna Giesey C.P.O.
239 Quaker Drive
PO Box 289
Seneca, PA 16346
Office: 814-676-5755
Cell: 814-758-1674
C/J Packaging DuBois Facility
101 Beaver Drive DuBois, PA 15801 814-375-7061
389 Brownies Trailer Court Road Shippenville, PA 16254 814-782-6317
239 Quaker Drive PO Box 289 Seneca, PA 16346 814-676-5755
