For basic information about what we do and how to qualify for the program, please consult our employer information page and job seeker information page.
Frequently asked Questions by Employers
Answer: The program will provide employers with:
- Assistance in identifying and addressing staffing and skills needs through job matching. This includes placing suitable job seekers to match your needs.
- Training, where requested, for managers and staff on best practices for working with employees with disabilities, to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Support to address on-the-job employment challenges that may arise through job coaching and retention services.
- Training, when requested and relevant, regarding the use of on-site workplace accommodations such as assistive devices and adaptive technology.
Answer: Hiring workers can be exhausting, expensive, and time consuming. The service providers in the Inclusion Alliance are committed to finding you a suitable job seeker that matches the needs for your job.
We not only provide potential employees, we work with you to assist you in integrating them into your work environment. We can assist in providing on-site job placement support and we will work with you to monitor the progress and success of the individual placement.
Answer: No. In many cases, people with disabilities can even be more efficient than other employees. The Supported Employment Program seeks out people with the skills you need and sends you only suitable candidates.
Learn more about employing someone with a disability on our Myths and Facts page.
Answer: Absolutely. We provide training to help you and your other employees learn about the disability, and how to work with the person. The training, if needed, is tailored to the new employee’s disability.
Answer: The steps are:
1. You contact us to express an interest in the program.
2. We meet to review how the program works, what your business does, the job openings you have, and discuss your requirements in general.
3. If we are able to find a candidate that we think will meet your needs, we arrange an interview.
4. If you decide to hire the job seeker, we work with you to facilitate the onboarding process. If required, we plan for any training you and your team may need, any additional training the job seeker needs. Also if needed, we work with the job seeker and you to provide any assistive technology or adaptive devices they require.
The process may vary, depending on the job seeker and on how your business works.
Answer: We work with the employee and with you as needed with the goal of make improvements. Ultimately, however, an employee with a disability is just like any other employee: the decision to hire and/or fire them rests with the employer and is subject to the same test for reasonable termination that would apply to all employees. If needed, we will assist them in making the transition to an alternate job that might be more suited to their strengths.
Learn more about your obligations as a participant in the Supported Employment Program.
Frequently asked Questions by Job Seekers
Answer: The program will provide job seekers with:
- Short term and/or interventions in employability skills development (ie; employment related workshops) designed to prepare individuals for the labour market, including but not limited to soft skills, job readiness, and career development services.
- Competitive work opportunities, with appropriate job search, coaching and accommodations services.
- Assistance maintaining a job, through ongoing job retention services.
You can take a look at our menu of workshops for job seekers to get a more detailed picture.
Answer: Supported Employment is funded by the Government of Ontario and Phase One of the program is currently available in the cities of Cornwall, Belleville and Timmins. In the Cornwall area, this includes the City of Cornwall, the Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and the First Nations Territory of Akwesasne.
Answer: If you prefer to do self-employment, we can refer you to self employment service providers in your community for support. This can include organizations like ODSP Employment Supports, small business enterprise centres, and business development corporations in your area.
Answer: The Supported Employment Program is customized for your specific needs.
When you apply we will assist you with identifying your goals, aspirations and work readiness. If you need some extra skills development, we will ensure that you have access to assistance to build the skills you need. If you are work-ready, we will assist you with your job search, your soft skills, and in finding employment. Once employed, we will provide retention supports and monitor your progress along the way.
At every step along the way we will work with you. The first step is up to you: give us a call, come on in and let’s get to work.
Answer: We will try. Participants need to understand that their career goals and expectations need to be reasonable for the geographic area where they are seeking work.
Our trained professionals have access to information that may assist you in developing suitable career goals that are not out of reach.
Answer: Then we will refer you to another program (or in some cases another agency) that can provide you with guidance and assistance in making yourself ready for the Supported Employment Program.
For eligibility information, please go to the Job Seekers page.
Answer: The answer is not simple, and can depend on you. Are you motivated? Do you have the skills you need? Are you willing to commit to doing what you need to do to make yourself work-ready?
The length of time it will take to find employment is unknown, and depends on where you are at, what you need, and what you are willing to commit to doing to find work.
The job seeking process takes time; the search for work takes perseverance and patience. While we cannot promise immediate results, we can promise a client-centred service that will assist you with finding opportunities for employment.
The journey to employment depends on you, but if you don’t start the journey you will not reach the destination.
