Overview

Networks offers a variety of services designed to increase overall knowledge, skills, and experiences, with contemporary and innovative employment development and support strategies. Specifically, we assist individual and organizational growth by providing training for staff, families, people with disabilities, employers, and others interested in contemporary trends and best practices in employment support. This is done through:

• Both small and large group training in current supported employment trends and practical strategies,
• Direct technical assistance to improve specific employment outcomes,
• Individually tailored discovery to assist in finding a person's strengths, passions, and skills necessary for employment,
• Direct assistance to families, service providers, and teams having difficulty supporting people to access employment,
• Assistance to employment provider agencies to develop personalized job development strategies and individualized employment support.
• Assistance to employers looking to diversify their workforce,
• Training and consultation around ADA regulations for employers and the business community,
• Direct assistance to employers and job seekers around accommodations, job modifications / adaptations, workplace technology, and support strategies for more effective, efficient, and independent work
• Assistance to students and others in transition from school to adult life or other life changes through Career Planning,
• Training and counseling around social security benefits

Our work is based on the belief that all people (no matter what label, type of disability, or educational / employment experience) can make a valued contribution through meaningful work and gainful employment.

To request Technical Assistance, complete a Training and Technical Assistance Request Form, email Jill Gromen, or call 1-866-683-3651.

Projects & Activities

• Coordination of Employment 1st Philadelphia! initiative, as well as representation on the Steering Committee and all workgroups
• Coordination of an annual statewide Employment Supports Symposium
• Transition Planning Project
• Assistance to revitalize the Philadelphia Transition Coordinating Council
• Participation on the Alliance for Full Participation Pennsylvania State Team
• Representation on the PA APSE Board and ongoing support to revitalize the state chapter
• Career Planning Workshops
• Demonstrations of how Assistive Technology can be used to support employment

Photo Gallery

Enjoy our slideshow of Employment Support images. Please check back frequently, as more pictures will be added as they become available!

Upcoming Events

• Employment Supports Series - Striving Towards Excellence!
• Creating Eye-Catching Presentation Portfolios
• ADA in the Workplace Today
• Refining Your Marketing Approach through Customized Employment Proposals
• Dispelling the Myths: Social Security Work Incentives
• Creative On-the-Job Supports Through Accomodations and Technology
• Taking Charge of Your Career Search: A Forum for Self-Advocates
• ... and other events to be scheduled!
• The Employment Forum
• The 13th Employment Supports Symposium: Spreading Employment 1st!

Visit our Upcoming Events Calendar to see which events are happening this month!

How Can I Get Involved?

• Share your inclusive employment stories
• Offer employment opportunities that can be shared with job seekers
• Provide information on grant opportunities, loans and other resources for starting a business
• Get involved in the Philadelphia Employment 1st initiative!
• Become an employer/business owner willing to partner and provide short term internships as a means of skills and interest assessment in real work employment settings for job seekers.

The Employment Team

• Jill Gromen, M.S.W.
• Tracy Katz, M.Ed.
• Joe Murphy
• Julia Barol
• Julie Sozio, M.H.S.
• Michelle Sparling, M.S.