Nova’s Employment Program assists persons in need in their transition to independence through meaningful careers. Our clientele come from a variety of backgrounds. Some may require retraining after an injury, others may be economically disadvantaged. Still others may experience cognitive or physical disabilities. Our people possess a wide range of employment histories, experiences and interests. Through Nova’s unique team approach to job matching, our employer partners receive willing, dedicated employees, while the worker earns unmatched personal satisfaction.

Individual Supported Employment

Individual Supported Employment finds the right job for each person.This innovative program assists individuals in their transition from public assistance to meaningful careers. Placement staff assist individuals in determining their career choices. Then, job search begins with applications to targeted businesses. When a person is hired, Nova staff provides start-up support to ensure a smooth transition towards job independence. The end result is a partnership of satisfied employers and self-sufficient employees.

Nova Services

Nova Services provides vocational and personal development to individuals with disabilities or disadvantages, through partnerships with business and community. After the job matching process, an individual is placed in your business location. A trained supervisor is provided by Nova to offer technical support at no cost. This supported employment program is designed to meet the needs of both the employer and employee. All individuals participating in the program work with Nova prior to placement within the business community. Job analysis and training assists the employee to learn all requirements of the job.

Our People

Our People comprise Nova’s greatest asset! The diversity of individuals who work with Nova Services allows us to meet a wide variety of work tasks and challenges. Discover what hundreds of businesses have learned. Not only does everyone involved experience a new level of personal satisfaction, but productivity and profitability in most cases are increased. Everyone benefits.

Nova Offers its employer partners...

• Reduced costs in recruitment
• Reduced employee training
• Creative job matching
• On-site job consultation
• Job analysis
• The opportunity to make an impact in your community by providing employment opportunities for growth, independence and dignity.

Nova Offers its employees...

• Job skill evaluation
• Job skill training
• Pre-employment education
• Meaningful work experience
• Specialized employment placement
• Follow-up support services
• Job development
• Job training

Nova's Employment Department provides
6 different services to participants.

A. Employment Assessments both In-house and Community based. This gives us the opportunity to assess the participants skills, abilities, limitations and need for accommodations and adaptations.

B. Training - Training has two different components. It could mean 1:1 job coaching to assist the participant in learning a job. The other component of training is job preparation.

That consists of the following:
1. Resume development
2. Interview practice
3. Application process
4. Reference checks
5. Documentation of skills, certificates and diplomas

C. Job Retention - Once employment is secured Nova provides Job Retention services to assure the success of the participant. This consists of regular contacts, with the employer and the participant, to discuss progress and assist with concerns.

D. Job Placement - Job Placement consists of assistance services, to the participant, with the goal of securing competitive employment. Nova's Job Placement services are consumer driven meaning that the participant decides what they want and how they want it.

Placement services consist of the following:

1. Researching the community for jobs that the
   participant wants.
2. Employer contacts.
3. Assistance with applications.
4. Networking with employers.
5. Follow-up contacts.
   

Job Placement services are customized for the person.

F. Job Coaching is used when a participant needs additional training beyond what the employer offers. With job coaching Nova Services offers 1:1 assistance in teaching the participant the tasks of their job. This is done with hands on assistance, modeling, verbal and non-verbal cues. Often times a task analysis is used to break down the steps of a job. Pictorial and written tasks are also used.

F. Independent Living - Sometimes the participant needs assistance in stabilizing their personal life before seeking employment. If this is the case Nova offers Independent Living services. IL services could include assistance with housing, budgeting, accessing resources in the community and bus training.