| 
The Vocational Evaluation process is often the
first step in choosing and pursuing a vocational
goal. This service, as with all through A.O. Employment Services, is individually designed.
Included are:
• Job Specific Evaluations
When a brief evaluation is all that's needed,
a Job Specific Evaluation is recommended. This
evaluation is for those persons that have already
identified a job goal. The evaluation is designed
to narrow down the goal and recommend a path for
success.
• Exploratory Evaluations
For those people that aren't quite sure of their
vocational goal, an Exploratory Evaluation may
be best. Career exploration is heavily emphasized
during this evaluation. Standardized tests, along
with a multitude of interest inventories are used
to assist a person in identifying and pursuing
a job goal.
• Comprehensive Evaluation
This evaluation is the most in-depth and comprehensive.
It offers all of the academic assessments included
in a Specific Evaluation, all of the career exploration
included in an Exploratory Evaluation, and an
opportunity to try out various work sites within
the community.
With each of the evaluations offered through A.O. Employment Services, a participant will have
the opportunity to speak to a professional in
the specific vocational area chosen, and/or to
observe work being done. Our goal is to provide
the participant with all of the information needed
to make an informed decision on his/her future.
Our staff will provide instruction
in the following:
• Coaching on filling out applications.
• Individual and/or videotaped interview
practice.
• Dressing for success classes.
• Training on effective communication.
• Résumé writing.
While actively looking for a job our job development
staff will:
• Guide the participant on where to look
for job openings.
• Provide job leads developed by the staff.
• Counsel the participant on networking
techniques.
• Assist in determining if the potential
job is a good "match" with the person's
preferences and skills.
Services include:
• Specially designed Vocational Evaluations.
These evaluations take into consideration the
unique needs of people who have experienced a
brain injury or who rely on sign language for
communication.
• Job Placement. One-on-one support is available
throughout the job placement process. This includes
intervention with employers regarding accommodations
that might be needed.
• Coordination with other community agencies
and organizations.
• Ongoing support once a person has gone
to work.
A.O. Employment Services (in Springfield)
currently provides structured training programs
in:
|
|
 |
•
Janitorial Services
A student will learn how to use all of the
skills and equipment needed to go directly
into employment. Instruction along with
daily experience prepares students to meet
employer's expectations.
|
• Basic Computer Skills
This training program is designed to meet the
specific needs of those individuals who need a
little extra time or personal attention to help
them learn about computers and the different software
that they might need in their search for a new
job or a different career.
• Child Care Training Program
This program prepares participants with the skills
and certifications needed to become successfully
employed in the child care industry. Classroom
time will be used for initial instruction and
75% of the time is spent within a licensed daycare
environment.
• Food Services
Through hands-on experience, this 12-week training
program gives individuals the experience they
will need to become employed in the food service
industry.
All of the training programs offer an opportunity
for people to develop much needed skills. More
importantly, the program provides extensive "hands
on" experience that prepares people to go
directly to work. As the job market changes, so
do we. We are continually adjusting our training
programs and developing new ones based on feedback
from employers in the community.
Supported Employment services offer a comprehensive
system of support to people who have had a difficult
time finding and keeping a job. With a community-based
approach, A.O. Employment Services are dedicated
to assisting the individual to integrate into
their community while achieving their goals.
This is achieved through:
• Assessment
As with evaluation, the assessment process
is designed to assist a person in developing
a vocational goal and determining the objectives
needed to reach that goal.
• Job Development
Through strong business relationships developed
by A.O. Employment Services, a person is assisted in
obtaining employment. An emphasis is placed
on securing the "right" job for
the person served. |
|
 |
• Job Coaching
Upon becoming employed, the transition into the
new workplace can be stressful and at times difficult.
The job coaching component of our service assists
with supporting the individual on the job site,
with technical aspects of the job, socialization
with other co-workers and becoming familiar with
the new surroundings.
• Follow Along
Follow Along services are designed to assist an
individual once job coaching has ceased and the
individual is working independently on the job
site. This is accomplished through periodic visits
to ensure all is working well.
| 
|
|
The Division
of Workforce Development combines efforts
with partner agencies at Missouri Career
Centers. A.O. Employment Services provides services
through the Workforce Investment Board for
Adult Programs, Dislocated Worker Programs,
Career Assistance Programs and Youth Programs.
|
Click here for more information
on:
A.O. Workforce Partnerships
|
