The RSVP, Inc. Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Program provides pre-employment and support services to students with disabilities. Our goal is to assist program participants to successfully achieve and maintain their transition goals in community-based, integrated settings, with opportunities for onsite support. We believe in a team approach in the provision of services, and we will work closely with community partners and other stakeholders to provide services consistent with the goals established for the students with whom we work. The services available include the following:
WORK BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES (WBLE)
INDIVIDUAL – (Service Code S11001)
Work Based Learning Experiences use real work to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities. This service is short-term in nature and takes place in a variety of settings and industries. The types of jobs and experiences that are explored depends on the student’s preferences and needs. This service includes job shadowing, informational interviews, hands-on work and job tours. By the end of this service, students will have gained first-hand exposure to the different types of jobs that they explored. This service can be provided during the school year, over breaks or during the summer. Each student will be supported by an RSVP, Inc. Skills Trainer at all times.
GROUP (Greater than 3 hours per day – Service Code S11001g)
GROUP (Less than 3 hours per day – Service Code S11001gH)
Students participate together in a small group of their peers to explore a variety of workplace settings in their community. An RSVP, Inc. Skills Trainer will be always on-site to support, facilitate, and encourage the learning opportunities at each business. Depending on the student’s preferences and needs, these experiences can last just an hour or two, or over three hours.
WORK EXPERIENCES (WE)
INDIVIDUAL – (Service Code S11001WE)
Work Experiences provide students with an opportunity to gain exposure to the world of work through an internship with one business. The internship will range from three (3) to eight (8) weeks. The type of internship will depend on the student’s preferences and needs. These internships can be paid or unpaid. An RSVP, Inc. Skills Trainer will be with the student during the internship, and if appropriate, a fading schedule could be implemented as the student becomes more independent in their training.
GROUP (Greater than 3 hours per day – Service Code S11001WEg)
GROUP (Less than 3 hours per day – Service Code- S11001WEgH)
Students participate in their internship amongst a small group of their peers. The students work together and learn how to work as a team. Like the individual service, the internship is with one business and can range from three (3) to eight (8) weeks. These internships can be paid or unpaid. An RSVP, Inc. Skills Trainer will be with the students for the duration of the Work Experience. A fading schedule is not implemented with the group. Depending on the student’s preferences and needs, the internship can last just an hour or two, or over three hours.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITY ACHIEVABILITY READINESS (SOAR) PROGRAM
INDIVIDUAL – (Service Code RSVPSOARl)
GROUP – (Service Code RSVPSOARlr)
The SOAR Program offers students pre-employment training through a virtual platform. During this eight-class workshop, students will set up an email address, complete an interest inventory to learn about careers that they like, explore personal and work-related values, learn about career pathways, teamwork, effective communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, and money management. Students will also have access to a Virtual Job Shadow subscription while enrolled in the course. Each class is approximately 1.50 hours long. Students will need access to a computer with a camera and reliable internet. The SOAR Program is typically offered as a group service (3-4 students per class) but can be offered individually if needed.
STUDENT TRANSITION EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / COMMUNITY SKILLS EXPLORATION PROGRAM (CSEP)
GROUP (Greater than 3 hours per day – Service Code RSVPpreGr1)
GROUP (Less than 3 hours per day – Service Code- RSVPpreGr2)
The STEP and CSEP classes offer students an intensive look at work within a classroom and community-based setting. This is a yearlong program that is a collaborative partnership with DARS, the school system within where the program takes place and RSVP. Students have classroom instruction and hands on work experience on various competitive worksites. All aspects of work are explored during this class. The program can be a half day or full day.
WORKPLACE READINESS TRAINING – TRANSPORTATION TRAINING
INDIVIDUAL – (Service Code S11002)
Transportation Training by an RSVP, Inc. Skills Trainer teaches students the skills necessary to successfully navigate their community independently. This service is customized to each student’s need, geographical location, and resources available. Services may include learning the local bus route and how to access and utilize public transportation. If public transportation is not available, students will identify possible ride share options and other services such as Uber, Lyft, taxis, and paratransit.
