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Employment Supports

Spectrum Support gives people access to an array of employment services, customized to meet their particular needs and desires. Our staff works with people in small groups and individually through job site visits and volunteerism to, explore interests, discover skills and abilities and develop effective workplace behaviors and skills.

Overview

We identify and/or develop a customized job that matches people’s skills and interests, while ensuring that necessary accommodations and supports are put in place for success. Ongoing job coaching and support is provided as appropriate to maintain employment. We provide supports to both the employer and the worker to maximize a successful placement. Spectrum helps people to Live Their Best Lives by providing the tools and supports they need for greater independence, full inclusion, and active participation in achieving their employment goals.

Employment services

Discovery process

Spectrum staff use a variety of discovery options to obtain useful information to target appropriate businesses that match the skills of the job seeker and help the person become employed:

  • One-on-one interview with person
  • Interviews with family and friends
  • Observations in a community setting
  • Observations completing tasks
  • Observations in a workplace setting

Job development, placement and coaching

Spectrum staff supports people to meet their individualized needs, including:

  • Resume writing
  • Interview tips and mock interviews
  • Job searching, online application assistance
  • Life skills
  • Job readiness
  • Work experience opportunities
  • On-the-job coaching

Note: This service is limited to 90 days unless the person is funded by DDA for long-term services.

Communities we support

Spectrum currently provides supports in the following communities in Maryland:

  • Allegany County
  • Baltimore City (west side)
  • Baltimore County (west side)
  • Carroll County
  • Frederick County
  • Howard County (Columbia area)

Ashley LOVES working with children and is Lead Teacher at Montessori Day Care. Along with teaching, she is also responsible for creating lesson plans and preparing progress notes for her students. Many of the children in her class experience challenges with learning. Ashley enjoys helping them to learn and make friends in an inclusive environment.

Gregory works for Mod Pizza 3-4 days a week in the evenings and has been working there for over 4 years. Spectrum supports Gregory’s employment by providing transportation to and from work each day.

Although Gregory came to Spectrum with many restrictions that required him to be closely supervised, he worked hard to regain his independence. As a result, Gregory is now able to be in the community without direct staff support. Gregory likes to play basketball, watch wrestling, go to the library, get on the computer and play his video games during his free time.

Charles started working Full Time at Random House in Westminster Md September 2018 as a packer. He continues to grow and gain more responsibilities in his position at Random House, during COVID they trained him and he is now certified as a ForkLift Operator.