The Supported Employment Program matches qualified job seekers to employment opportunities in local businesses. There are many people who live with developmental disabilities that, with the right support, can be productive members of the work force. Participants undergo pre-screening, job readiness training and are connected to employers based on skills, talents and abilities. We are concerned with employer’s needs, and understand a business approach to employment. We have been extremely successful with many local employers and enjoy the long term, positive relationships that have been created.

Testimonials

“My customers enjoy interacting with my staff, and businesses appreciate workplace diversity” – Diane Cline, Direct Connect Deliveries

“We have found our employee to be very pleasant, enthusiastic, hard working; she takes pride in her work and stays focused on tasks” – Cathy English, Curator – Revelstoke Museum and Archives

“During our employees’ shift, I notice a huge boost in staff morale” Richard, Manager – Powder Springs Inn

Local Business Patrons

A&W
Coast Hillcrest Hotel
Direct Connect Deliveries
Malones
Mountain Meals
Pharmasave
Powder Springs Inn
Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
Revelstoke Museum and Archives
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre
Sandman Hotel Group
Toni Johnston

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to offer? At first, you may think that there are no jobs at your workplace for someone with a developmental disability. Take a look around. Ask your managers to list the things that they need done and do not have time to do. Just think if these tasks could be completed while leaving your current staff to focus on their priority projects. The possibilities are endless. You don’t have to work this out alone either. If you’re not sure how a person with a developmental disability can fit into your business, call us to arrange a tour, we can observe the work environment, learn about your specific business needs, and offer suggestions.

What should I expect from an employee with a developmental disability? Like anyone else, people with developmental disabilities have strengths and weaknesses, talents and abilities. These talents could include experience and interests in many fields and soft skills you will find beneficial to your workplace such as customer service skills, team-work, and strong a motivation for work. There may be someone in your community today with a developmental disability who has some or all of the specific skills you are looking for to enhance your business.

I can’t offer a full-time job. Does that mean I can’t hire someone? Not at all. Many people with developmental disabilities prefer to work part-time. In fact, part-time employment may be the best way for an employee to learn and master the skills needed for your business. Job placements through our program range from one to forty hours each week depending on the job and the individual.

How will this affect my other employees? Many co-workers tell us that working alongside a person with a developmental disability has enhanced their teamwork and their work environment. If your employees are uncertain about the concept initially, it’s usually because they have no idea what to expect. We can help you address this issue in several ways. Vocational Support Staff from can visit your business and individually meet with staff to help answer any questions or address concerns that may exist. We can also provide diversity and/or co-worker training that is tailored to your specific business needs. As business needs and personnel are always changing, we are there to help you meet these challenges.

Will I have support? Absolutely! If you decide to hire someone with a developmental disability, a job coach is available to help you or your staff train the person for as long as required. As your new employee learns the skills needed for the job, the job coach fades out of the picture. If you need help teaching your employee new skills later on, a phone call is all it takes to bring the job coach back to the worksite.

What about liability? As a responsible employer, you are already providing a healthy and safe workplace, WCB and general insurance coverage. Hiring someone with a developmental disability does not increase your liability. If there is a medical condition or anything else that could affect health and safety on the job, you will know about it, just as you would with any other employee. Job coaches, as employees of Community Connections, are covered through Community Connections, and are not a liability to your business.

What about wages? Employees with developmental disabilities earn minimum wage or above depending on the assigned job duties and the employer’s pay scale. We believe in real work for real pay!

How will this benefit my business? Many employers are finding it hard to find reliable, long term, entry-level employees. People with developmental disabilities are a labor source that is vastly under utilized by most industries and businesses. Many employers tell us that hiring someone with a developmental disability is not only great for the business community, but cost-effective toward their bottom line.

For more information about accessing our program, please contact our Revelstoke Adult Development Services office at 250-814-9035.

Our Individualized Community Inclusion Program operates Monday to Friday supporting up to 12 individuals.

Participants, with assistance from their support team, design an individualized plan that is tailored to their specific needs, wants and goals. Individuals access the community through educational, social and recreational activities. A few examples of favorite activities are communicating with friends and family using face book accounts, playing bingo while socializing with new friends at the Senior’s Centre. We also enjoy swimming, bike riding and of course, out of town field trips to meet with friends from other communities for picnics and sightseeing.

Annual activities include camping, cultivating and caring for the Community Garden, fundraising for and participating in the Relay for Life and raising community awareness every October during Community Living Month.

Weekly group lunches provide an opportunity for participants to gain knowledge, skills and confidence in meal preparation and cooking. Educational activities such as sign language has greatly improved communication and conversation skills. Numerous educational in-services such as bike and fire safety, bear awareness, natural composting, oral hygiene care, fishing, card making, food safe, nutritional counseling, karate, music and many more have enhanced the life experiences of our participants. The individualized Community Inclusion Program is dedicated to offering activities and programs that will further personal development and empower our participants to explore their dreams, goals and creativity.

For more information, call our Revelstoke Adult Development Services office on (250) 814 9035.

Home sharing is a residential option in which an adult with a developmental disability shares a home with someone who is contracted to provide ongoing support. Home sharing may be offered by community-based agencies or directly by CLBC. Homes may be owned or rented by the home sharing provider or by the individual requiring support. In some situations, the home sharing provider’s family lives in the home. In others, people live together as roommates in a reciprocal relationship.

In most situations, home sharing involves very close relationships. The individuals within the home share not only their physical space, but also their lives. The members of the home spend a lot of time together and are actively involved in one another’s daily activities. In other situations, the home sharing arrangement is characterized by more independent relationships. Members of the home generally go their own ways and come together at specific times or for specific purposes.

While sharing your home with an individual with a developmental disability can be an extremely rewarding experience, it is important to be aware that it is not entirely without its challenges. Most who provide this type of support agree that home sharing is more than a job. It is a lifestyle choice.

Home sharing is not generally viewed as an entry to the community living field. Contractors are expected to have previous experience supporting adults with a developmental disability. The following are some of the basic requirements for home sharing providers who contract with CLBC and its partner agencies:

• Minimum of 19 years of age
  • satisfactory home study
  • satisfactory criminal record check
  • satisfactory background check
  • first aid / CPR certificate
  • physician’s certification of good health
  • valid driver’s licence

Contact Kelly Bateman @ 250-837-2920, extn 34