Services
Nittany Employment Services
Nittany Employment Services (NES) provides vocational supports and services to individuals with developmental and other varying disabilities who are referred to us by the Centre County Mental Health/Mental Retardation office (MH/MR), and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The primary goal of NES is to secure competitive community employment for each of the individuals referred to us. The NES Employment Specialists provide a range of services that include evaluation, vocational planning and counseling, pre-employment training, job development, job coaching, and follow-along services. Historically, NES has always utilized a highly customized approach to the vocational process, which means that our efforts on behalf of those we serve are predicated upon their stated preferences and their particular strengths. The Employment Specialist works closely with the individuals and their families to gather the information that will assist us in tailoring our services for that individual. This client specific approach determines the type and level of supports needed, and it increases our ability to target employment opportunities that mesh with the person's skills and abilities. In turn, NES has found that the likelihood of successful long term employment for our individuals is greatly enhanced when job placements are made based on serious consideration of personal needs and qualifications.
Once an individual is employed, NES provides job coaching services designed to assist them in learning the essential duties and responsibilities of their jobs. Typically, job coaching will continue for three months, at which point NES will then provide the person with follow along or maintenance services. These long-term supports are an essential component of job retention as they ensure that the individual continues to carry out the essential functions of the job, and that they are meeting the employer's expectations.
NES also provides Situational or Community Based Assessments to people who are referred to us by OVR and MH/MR, for an evaluation of their skills, abilities, and work preparedness. Often, these assessments are conducted for people who have never been employed or for those who wish to return to work following an extended absence. As with job development, the individual's preferences play a major role in the selection of the job sites to be used for the evaluation. Situational Assessments yield a wealth of valuable information that will be incorporated into any future job development activities.
Consultative services are provided by the Director of Nittany Employment Services and Employment Coordinators to school districts, families/caregivers and employers on employment issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Diversity Awareness training, and Social Security Work Incentives as requested.
Family Driven Family Support Services
The Family Driven Family Support Services program provides support to families in their efforts to lovingly and successfully care for a relative with developmental disabilities in the home. The purpose of the program is to strengthen and enhance each family's coping abilities as they face the daily challenges of caretaking. All supports are provided without judgment and or criticism.
By way of a voucher allotment system, families are able to purchase goods and services dependent upon their expressed needs. Some goods/services which families have purchased with voucher monies are as follows: babysitting/respite care, recreational camp, educational conference fees, adaptive equipment and medical expenses not covered by insurance.
In addition to the voucher program, families have the option to attend a variety of collaboratively organized social events, educational presentations and luncheons. These services are available to allow families the opportunity to network with one another as well as to increase their educational knowledge about existing community resources.
Referrals for service are received from The Centre County Office of Mental Health/Mental Retardation. Presently a total of 120 families are involved in The Family Driven Family Support Services Program.
Residential Services
The Arc of Centre County offers an array of dynamic service options to support persons with disabilities living in the community. Since 1953 we have strived to provide opportunities for social/emotional growth and the actualization of independence and personal goals. Because the type of living arrangement varies in accordance with the unique needs of each individual and his family, services could be provided in any number of settings as follows:
- 24-Hour Supervision Group Homes - Ongoing support and supervision is provided in a home shared by several individuals receiving services, usually 2-4 persons. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, these locations offer instruction in activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, money management, hygiene, social skills, behavior management and community participation.
- Home-Based Program - Professional staff work directly in the private home of the individual and his family providing the support necessary for the living arrangement to be maintained. The hours of service vary depending on the needs of the individual. Instruction is provided in activities of daily living and other areas as determined by the team.
- Family Living Program - Similar to foster care, an unrelated person in the community may choose to have a person with a disability live with them. This type of program is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and the host family provides the necessary supervision and supports.
The Arc accepts referrals for these services from the Centre County MH/MR Office.