We are very excited to introduce River Street School Vocational Outreach
Services program (RSS Vocational Outreach).  As part of the Capitol Region
Education Council, this vocational service has been designed to support students who are transitioning from school to work, adults who are striving to gain employment, and also to enhance employment experiences of seasoned workers.

We are looking beyond the challenges that people bring with them, and rather look to the skills abilities and characteristics that all individuals possess.  All of the individuals we are working with are looking for gainful, individual, competitive employment in an integrated workplace.

We are fortunate to have a supportive collaborative relationship with the State of Connecticut, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services as well as with the Department of Developmental Services.  With this collaboration we are able to offer a range of supports to the prospective employee and employer alike.

They include:
Job Placement services assist individuals in obtaining the tools they need in the application process, such as updating of resumes, compiling up to date references and performing job search activities.  Employees are prescreened concerning personal background information, work history and education related to perspective employment opportunities. 

Working Interviews are a “Win – win” situation whereby the employer and the employee are provided with the opportunity to see if the job match would be appropriate by conducting a try-out period of twenty to forty hours on the job with employee wages paid by the state at a training rate.  After which time the employee has either proved it to be a good job match or continues to look for another position.  On the job supports in the form of a Job Coach will be provided to assist during this time.

Vocational Assessments/Evaluation:  Candidates are placed in actual jobs, whereby the intent is that of an assessment of skills and abilities during an evaluation period and not focused on direct hire.  It is merely an opportunity for our agency to gather employment information concerning the candidate’s skills and abilities, as well as for the candidate to experience working in their environment of choice.  The consumer’s wages are paid at a training rate (minimum wage) during this evaluation.  Our agency carries a certificate of insurance and complies with all federal requirements as an employer while at your location.

Paid Internship:  Designed for individuals who lack experience in their chosen field.  It provides the opportunity to gain experience with an employer who may not have a long-term opportunity available.  The length of the Internship is predetermined with the Vocational Counselor to maximize the learning experience. This individual is placed on the company payroll, reimbursement of consumer’s wages at an hourly rate equal to 130% of consumer’s agreed upon wage.

On The Job Training (Training Rate OJT):  Designed for individuals who lack training and experience in a field they have worked in before, or those who work for the same company but now in a new role and will require a significant amount of training in the beginning of the program.  BRS will reimburse the portion of the trainer’s wages during the time that the trainer is directly instructing the trainee.  The time period is 1-3 months with a max of  six months to accomplish training goals.

On the Job Training (Partial Wages OJT):  Designed for individuals who lack job experience and will learn the job by performing the duties.  A portion of the employee’s wages are reimbursed during the training, tapering off as the employee learns the job and becomes independent.

On The Job Training and Paid Internships are designed to provide incentives to employers while providing valuable vocational training to the consumers.  The enrollment process has been streamlined to facilitate services.  Please contact our department for further information.

Our staff, combined, has over 50 years of service in vocational rehabilitation and related endeavors.  We need your help to make this endeavor and the lives of the people we serve successful.  Many thanks as you consider our unique set of services.  We are proud to provide you with a list of satisfied employers that have taken advantage of our services and as a result have hired dedicated workers. 

For additional information, please visit the Connect-Ability website, the State Bureau of Rehabilitation Services website, or contact Martha King-Ramos, Program Director, (860) 298-9079 ext. 2026, mking@rss.crec.org.

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