Workforce Network

Workforce Network facilitates competitive work in integrated work settings for individuals with disabilities for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and who need ongoing support services in order to perform or maintain their job. Workforce Network provides assistance such as job coaching, assistive technology, specialized job training, and individually tailored support.

We provide a way for individuals to realize their goal of independence via competitive employment. Workforce Network encourages people to work within their communities and encourages work, social interaction, and integration.

Job Development

Our Employment Specialists will assess factors that will effect employment: motivation, transportation, skills, mobility, appearance, communication, social skills, work behavior skills, reinforcement needs, supports, financial considerations, work setting preferences and goals. Once enrolled in the program and a job is obtained, the Employment Specialists assist with job orientation, assessments, and travel training. They will assist in getting reasonable accommodations if necessary and provide specialized job development and on-site training to assist the employee with a disability in learning and performing the job and adjusting to the work environment.

Overall they become the person’s life-line with work matters and outside matters should it ultimately affect employment.

Development of Natural Supports

Supports from supervisors & co-workers are particularly effective because they enhance the social integration between the employee with a disability and his/her co-workers and supervisor. In addition, natural supports may be more permanent, consistently and readily available, thereby facilitating long-term job-retention.

Pathway to Employment

Pathway to Employment is a person-centered employment planning, support and assessment service that provides assistance for individuals to obtain, maintain or advance in competitive employment. This service offers an individualized planning process that helps individuals identify a career or vocational direction through unpaid volunteer experiences. Pathway to Employment also provides instruction and training in job readiness skills and develops a plan for achieving competitive, integrated employment at or above the New York State minimum wage.

Employment Training Program (ETP) offers individuals an opportunity to work in an internship that will lead to permanent employment in a community business. During the internship, wages will be paid by ETP while the individual learns the skills needed for the job. ETP participants also attend job readiness classes that present topics such as conflict resolution and how to dress for work. ETP services include increased job development and job coaching as well as assistance with other employability skills.

ACCES-VR: (Funding)

Supported Employment service may be provided to any individual who is determined by ACCES-VR or the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) to be eligible for the service, and who meets ALL of the criteria below:

1. Has a most significant disability. This means that the individual: has one or more physical or mental disabilities that cause substantial functional limitations, a physical or mental impairment which seriously limits three or more functional capacities in terms of an employment outcome, whose vocational rehabilitation will require multiple vocational rehabilitation services over an extended period of time.

2. Due to a most significant disability, competitive employment has not occurred or has been interrupted or intermittent.

3. Needs to have a comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation needs completed by ACCES-VR or CBVH which identifies Supported Employment as an appropriate vocational objective and has: the ability to engage in a vocational program leading to supported employment, a need for ongoing support services in order to perform and sustain competitive work, the ability to work in a supported employment setting, extended service funding is available.

4. Anyone who ACCES-VR or CBVH has issued a written authorization to provide Supported Employment services.

OPWDD: (Intensive or Extended Funding)

To receive services one must go through ACCES-VR so all above criteria apply. Once stabilization is achieved and if eligible for extended services through OPWDD the following criteria must be met:

1. Disability has to have occurred prior to age 22 and documentation to prove that.

2. Must have medical documentation to support diagnosis of MR or other qualifying impairment.

3. A psychological report which includes assessment of intellectual functioning with reporting of intelligence scores (including subscale, part, and full scale scores), and, for people with IQs above 60, standardized assessment of adaptive behavior with reporting of scale and summary scores.

4. Must be eligible to receive Medicaid.

5. Must be eligible to obtain Care Coordination.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Empower your next step. Our Pre-ETS supports students with disabilities, ages 14–21, as they explore careers, build skills, and plan for life after high school. Services are provided at no cost to eligible students and coordinate with schools, families, and community partners.

What we offer:

Job exploration counseling — discover interests, industries, and career pathways.
Workplace readiness training — communication, teamwork, and independent living skills.
Instruction in self-advocacy — understanding strengths, requesting accommodations, and leading IEP/transition planning.

Who can participate or be potentially eligible:

Students with documented disabilities (including 504/IEP), enrolled in secondary, alternative, or recognized postsecondary programs in NY, typically ages 14–21.
Fill out the fillable form provided, once it is sent it will be evaluated and it will be sent to ACCES-VR for final approval.

How it works:

We collaborate with the student, family, school staff, and ACCES-VR to tailor a plan.
Flexible delivery: on campus and virtual options.
Short workshops to multi-week experiences, based on goals.

Get started:

Fill out the below form and submit it digitally.
Schools and families can refer students year-round.

C.C.A.R.C. Pre-ETS Program Registration Form

Student's First Name, Middle Initial and Last Name:

Student's Gender

Student's Gender Identity:

Ethnicity

Caucasian

African American

Asian

American Indian/Alaskan Native

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Full Address:

Cell Phone Number:

SS#:

Type of Educational Program/Location:

Grade:

Birth Date:

Student's Email Address:

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Parent/Guardian Contact Information (required if student is under 18)

Parent/Guardian Name:

Home Phone Number:

Cell Phone Number:

Work Phone Number:

Parent/Guardian's Email Address:

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Medical Release Information (Information needed for potential case of emergency)

Name of Health Insurance Provider:

Insurance Policy Number:

Name of Policy Holder:

Primary Physician:

Please list any medical problems, including required maintenance medications (i.e. diabetic, asthma, allergies, injuries or seizure):

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In Case of Medical Emergency Contact (in addition to Parent/Guardian above):

Contact #1 Name:

Contact #1 Phone Number:

Contact #1 Relationship to Student:

Contact #2 Name:

Contact #2 Phone Number:

Contact #2 Relationship to Student:

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Disclosures and Releases:

Opt-In

By checking above, I understand that Parent/Guardian and/or emergency contacts will be notified in the case of a medical emergency involving student. In the event that they cannot be reached, I authorize the calling of their doctor and the providing of necessary medical services in the participant is injured or becomes ill.

Opt-In

By checking above, I understand the Clinton County ARC will not be responsible for the medical expenses incurred, but that such expenses will be my responsibility as insurance carrier.

Opt-In

By checking above, I hereby give permission for the transporting of the student for official Pre-ETS activities by the use of our agency vehicles that have been arranged by the organization.

Opt-In

By checking above, I hereby give Clinton County Advocacy and Resource Center/Workforce Network permission to obtain and release my information.to ACCES-VR to ascertain potential eligibility for the Pre-ETS Program. lnformation may include but not restricted to School records (504, IEP, or Transcript), disability diagnosis

from a physician, Proof of SSI or SSDI if applicable.

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E-Signature & Digital Release:

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By typing my name below or otherwise submitting this form electronically, I agree that my electronic signature has the same meaning and effect as my handwritten signature. I understand that I am submitting this information voluntarily and that the organization may rely on this electronic submission as my signed authorization, acknowledgment, or consent, as applicable. I also understand that the information I provide may include personal or health-related protected information and may be processed by our organization and website service providers for the purpose of this application. I acknowledge the inherent risks of submitting this information online.

Student's E-Signature:

Date Signed:

Parent/Guardian's E-Signature:

Date Signed:

Any additional comments or notes about the student that would be helpful for the Pre-ETS organizers to know in advance:

Workforce Network