Employment Services

Employment Services help individuals obtain competitive employment in an integrated setting.  This means a permanent job for which anyone can apply, located in a community setting, integrating employees with and without disabilities, and paying at least minimum wage.  Integrated employment allows for regular interaction with co-workers without disabilities, customers and the general public.  Individuals are matched to jobs consistent with their interests and abilities.  BCIDD’s Supported Employment Specialists work with individuals to provide an array of supports specific to their needs and goals.  These supports may include: 

  • Pre-Placement

    Identifies an individual’s employment strengths and interests 

  • Job Development

    Including working with potential employers to develop competitive opportunities which meet the employer’s needs

  • Job Placement

    Helps individuals apply for and negotiate positions that meet the needs of the individuals and their employers; the Employment Specialist ensures that the position supports the individual’s immediate and long-term career goals, and that the employer provides reasonable accommodations if necessary

  • Job Coaching

    Helps the individual develop the skills needed to perform his or her job to the employer’s satisfaction

  • Follow-Along Supports

    Provides continued guidance, training, and supportive counseling to help the individual maintain continuous employment

  • Career Development

    Supports the individual’s long-term career goals and advancement opportunities

GVRA

We also work with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) to provide Traditional Supported Employment for individuals who are in need of intensive job coaching, ongoing supports, and extended supports in a traditional job setting.  Ongoing supports include periodic job coaching on/off site, regular observation or supervision of the individual, and contact with family, advocacy groups, or other suitable professional or stakeholder to reinforce and stabilize the job placement.  It further includes identification and facilitation of natural supports at the worksite, assistive technology when needed, and other supports as needed to ensure stabilization and job retention. 

Project Search

Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.  It is targeted for individuals whose goal is competitive employment.  The program takes place in a healthcare, government, or business setting where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills.  Interns participate in three internships to explore a variety of career paths.  The interns work with a team that includes their family, an instructor, and local and state agencies to create an employment goal.  BCIDD’s current host business site is Shaw-Cartersville, plants 13, 94, and CX.  Shaw Industries supplies carpet, resilient hardwood, laminate, tile and stone, synthetic and commercial markets all over the world. They are an owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with more than 20,000 associates worldwide.  The headquarters is in Dalton, Georgia with salespeople and/or offices located across the United States, including 12 countries.