Employment Services

At New Horizons Supported Services Inc., (NHSSI), the Employment Services (ES) program assists individuals in securing and/retaining gainful “person centered” employment in their community.

A two week Transition Assessment is conducted on each individual who is to be supported by Employment Services. He/she must be proficient in various employment/independent living criteria that include but are not limited to: appearance, performance behaviors; personal interactions; manual abilities; dependability; and learning aptitudes, prior to being accepted into the program.

To ensure the individual’s success in the workplace, ES provides onsite job support that promotes growth in the area of employment according to personal skill levels. This approach fosters both increased self esteem and independence.
There are currently fifty three (53) individuals who are supported by ES. Thirty one (31) individuals work independently in competitive jobs in their community and four (4) individuals who are working together as a group - or crew - under the supervision of an Employment Specialist in an industry setting.  ES crews have been contracted with Pepco Metals and Recycling for 15 plus years and just recently contracted with Union Bethel AME Church in Brandywine Maryland to provide recycling services. Both groups of individuals are paid employees who are encouraged and assisted in reaching their maximum work potential, and share in the same focused outcome …. “increased independence in the work place.” There are also nineteen (19) individuals who are currently waiting to transition to community employment. Currently, these individuals are volunteering at various nursing homes, and senior centers, as well as at the ARC of PG County thrift store.
Job retention is another important component of Supported Employment. From Monday though Thursday the individuals attend ongoing classes aimed at developing the skills and techniques necessary to acquire and maintain employment. The Employment Services program is committed to helping each individual reach his/her personal goals and objectives.

ES Collaborations
New Horizons Supported Services, Inc is proud to announce that the Social Security Administration has recently chosen this agency as an Employment Network under the Ticket to Work Program. Thus the Employment Services program can now assist individuals with disabilities who receive SSI and SSDI find and retain independent employment. 

Employment Services also has a formed a collaboration with Independence Now (a nonprofit resource and advocacy center that promotes independent living and equal access for people with all types of disabilities) whereby individuals can be referred for services that will promote their community integration.

Cynthia Swift-King - Associate Director

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