Supported Employment
Venture’s Supported Employment Program helps individuals with developmental disabilities explore career opportunities, prepare for the workplace, and find meaningful employment in their communities. Our person-centered approach begins with each individual’s strengths, interests, abilities, and goals, creating a path toward employment that is right for them. From career exploration and interview preparation to job placement and on-the-job coaching, our team provides support throughout the employment journey. Our goal is to help individuals build confidence, develop workplace skills, increase independence, and experience the sense of purpose and connection that comes from meaningful work.
Employment Services:
- Career Exploration & Planning: Individuals explore their interests, strengths, and career goals to identify employment opportunities that are a good fit.
- Job Readiness: Training focuses on practical workplace skills such as communication, time management, professionalism, resume development, and interview preparation.
- Job Development & Placement: Our team works with individuals to search and apply for positions while building relationships with local employers to identify opportunities.
- Job Coaching: Once employed, individuals receive personalized, on-the-job support to learn responsibilities, meet workplace expectations, and build greater independence over time.
- Workplace Success: We help individuals strengthen communication, develop relationships with coworkers, and become active members of their workplace.
- Benefits & Resources: Individuals can receive guidance on how employment may affect benefits and assistance connecting with additional community resources.
Tools for Success
Our employment team uses established career-readiness resources and curricula to help individuals explore careers and develop practical workplace skills, including:
- I Can Work! Work Skills Curriculum
- Attainment’s Get a Job! Curriculum
- Pathful Explore
Participants also have opportunities to attend local and regional job fairs, hiring events, and other career exploration activities.
Working in Our Communities
Individuals supported by Venture have found employment with businesses and organizations throughout the region, including Walmart, Polar Park, Uno’s, Market Basket, Stop & Shop, UMass Memorial Health Harrington, McDonald’s, Incom, Gentex Optics, Wilson Language Training, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Partner With Venture
Inclusive employment benefits individuals, businesses, and our communities. Venture partners with local employers to connect businesses with motivated candidates while providing the support needed to help create successful, lasting employment relationships.