Services We Offer: Employment Services - Working in the Community
Dutchess ARC offers Career Options to individuals through our Supported Employment Services division in partnership with local businesses throughout our community. Depending on the individual's skills and interests, we offer a variety of opportunities for employment.
Individual placement can be developed for those requiring minimal supports at the job site in a community setting. Enclaves or groups of 4 to 8 individuals working at a job site can work with the support of a job coach who provides the structure and guidance needed for successful employment. Our person-centered approach offers each individual the opportunity to express their ideas and choices for employment outcomes.
Specialized services provided by Career Options include job readiness, skill assessment, diagnostic vocational evaluation, résumé development, career counseling, job development, on the job training, and follow up services. These services are supported by [ACCES] Adult Career and Continuing Education Services, [OPWDD] Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and [OMH] Office of Mental Health, allowing Dutchess ARC to serve people with varied needs and desires.
Benefits to Employers
Dutchess ARC can be a viable staffing resource to community businesses by prescreening qualified applicants. We provide on-site training, support and can share information on potential financial incentives and opportunities that exist.
We look to the business community for opportunities to develop partnerships with Dutchess ARC by providing challenging opportunities for career development.
Dutchess ARC has a long history of making positive contributions to the community by collaborating with a variety of businesses and volunteer organizations. Currently, 127 individuals that we serve and their staff routinely participate with at least 15 volunteer organizations throughout the year. Additionally, through our supported employment programs, Dutchess ARC teams up with local businesses to provide qualified and committed employees who, through their work, add value to their workplace and play a vital role in the business community.
One such partnership being highlighted this October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), is between Dutchess ARC and BabyVision. BabyVision, located in Poughkeepsie, NY, offers safe and diverse baby care products to parents and caregivers world wide. Mr. Shreenivas Shah is Founder and President of BabyVision. Early in Mr. Shah’s career, he worked with people who had differing abilities and saw first hand the value of an inclusive work environment.
Two years ago, Jamie, an individual receiving services through Dutchess ARC’s Supported Employment Department, began working at BabyVision. Jamie’s first position was in packaging. Soon, the staff at BabyVision recognized his eye for detail and his knowledge of computers. He was moved to the fulfillment department and now plays a crucial role; checking and processing orders before they are shipped to customers around the world. Mr. Shah describes Jamie’s role as the “company’s last handshake with the customer”. Beyond the typical benefits of an outstanding employee, Jamie has had a positive impact on his co-workers both professionally and personally. He has created a strong network of natural supports and no longer receives or requires the support of a job coach.
Currently, five other individuals supported by our organization are employees of BabyVision and work in various positions from maintenance and production to graphic arts. Mr. Shah describes our alliance not as “giving back” but as “getting back”.
Whether through employment or volunteerism, the individuals served by Dutchess ARC and their staff make positive contributions to the daily lives of those who live and work in Dutchess County. The harmony that exists at BabyVision is just one of the many striking examples of this partnership at its best!
Vocational Centers
Our Vocational Centers offer job opportunities for individuals to develop and improve the skills necessary to meet their goals for employment. The Centers provide additional structure and support for workers who need this environment in order to become successfully employed. We focus on soft skills development such as acceptance of supervision, following directions, attention to task, co-worker relationships, job completion and time management. Each individual works together with a team to develop a plan that takes into account their interests and desires to set goals for future employment success.
Benefits to Businesses
Work at the Vocational Centers consists of hand and kit assembly, carding, clip stripping, display set ups, blister and poly bag packaging, sorting, salvage and inspection, mail processing, janitorial and warehousing.
When businesses contract with Dutchess ARC they receive quality workmanship, competitive pricing, and timely turnaround to meet their production needs. We can help eliminate costly overtime, dissatisfied customers, and backlog. Dutchess ARC has partnered with businesses for over 35 years by providing solutions to their production needs.
For more information, call (845) 471-8876 x173 or e-mail us at info@dutchess-arc.org.
Testimonials
Below are testimonials from businesses that utilize Dutchess ARC Employment Services.
"Our continuing relationship with Dutchess ARC has been extremely rewarding to our firm, both on a professional and personal level. Our Dutchess ARC employees have made a lasting positive impact within our organization and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come."
~ Rosicki, Rosicki, and Associates
Dutchess ARC Business Partner - 4 years
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Lindsay loves her job at Rosicki, Rosicki,
& Associates
National Disability Employment Month (NDEAM) Awards Ceremony 2011
BabyVision
BabyVision Employee Jamie takes pride in his job
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