Customized employment

Overview

Customized employment is a flexible process designed to personalize the employment relationship between a job seeker and an employer in a way that meets the needs of both. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities or those who face significant barriers to employment. Customized employment involves tailoring a job to fit the unique strengths, needs, and interests of the individual, while also addressing the specific requirements of the employer.

Key Components

Customized employment typically includes several key components:

Discovery

The discovery process is an alternative to traditional assessment methods. It involves gathering information about the job seeker s skills, interests, and support needs through interviews, observations, and other activities. The goal is to identify the individual s strengths and potential contributions to a workplace.

Job Development

Job development in customized employment focuses on creating a job or modifying an existing one to align with the job seeker s profile. This may involve negotiating job duties, work hours, or other aspects of employment to ensure a good fit for both the employee and the employer.

Job Carving

Job carving is a strategy used in customized employment where specific tasks are identified and separated from a traditional job description to create a new position. This allows the job seeker to perform tasks that match their abilities while providing value to the employer.

Job Coaching

Job coaching provides support to the employee in learning and performing their job duties. A job coach may assist with training, developing workplace relationships, and ensuring that the employee has the necessary accommodations to succeed.

Benefits

Customized employment offers several benefits:

• For Job Seekers: It provides opportunities for meaningful work that aligns with their skills and interests, leading to increased job satisfaction and stability.
• For Employers: It allows employers to tap into a diverse talent pool, improve workplace diversity, and potentially increase productivity by aligning tasks with employees strengths.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, customized employment can present challenges, such as:

• Resource Intensive: The process can be time-consuming and may require significant resources for discovery and job development.
• Employer Engagement: Successfully engaging employers and negotiating job modifications can be challenging.

Implementation Strategies

Successful implementation of customized employment involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including job seekers, employers, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and community organizations. Strategies include:

• Building Partnerships: Establishing strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations to create employment opportunities.
• Training and Support: Providing training for job coaches and employment specialists to effectively support job seekers and employers.

Conclusion

Customized employment is a valuable approach to creating inclusive workplaces and providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By focusing on the strengths and needs of both job seekers and employers, customized employment can lead to successful and sustainable employment outcomes.