Frequently Asked Questions for the Supportive Employment Program

How do you get a job in the community?

There are 12 basic steps to this process:

1. Contact your Regional Center Service Coordinator and inform them you are interested in employment services
2. Your Service Coordinator will forward a referral packet to several agencies in your area
3. Tour your area service provider programs to learn about them and the services they offer
4. Choose the program you would like to receive services from
5. Contact your Regional Center Service Coordinator and inform him/her of your program of choice
6. Regional Center will notify the service provider
7. If you choose SGVTC for services,  Intake Coordinator, Joy Willison, will contact you to set a date, time and location for your intake meeting
8. Based on your intake information, Supported Employment Program Manager will determine if you are appropriate for Employment Services
9. Intake Coordinator will assist in opening your case with Department Of Rehabilitation, when necessary
10. Once job development authorization is in place from Department Of Rehabilitation, SGVTC Job Developer will contact you and assist with job applications, interviews and job development
11. When you begin working, a Job Coach will be assigned to assist you on the job
12. Earn income and become more independent!

How do I get paid?

If assigned to a group, you are paid by SGVTC.  Group clients start at a determined base rate and receive time studies after the first 30 days, then every six months thereafter.

Individual Placements receive at least minimum wage and are employees of the company that hired them.

How do I get a raise?

Group clients' wages are adjusted with each time study, (at 30 days, every six months) and based on productivity, per Department of Labor regulations.

Clients in Individual Placement receive raises per company policy and procedure.

What if I have a problem at work?

Group clients will report issues to their Job Coach, who then reports the information to their assigned Case Manager. If there is a problem with the coach they can contact their Case Manager. If there is a problem with their Case Manager they can contact the SEP Program Manager, Lisa Mendoza.

Clients in Individual Placement will report issues to their immediate employer supervisor at the work site.  If the issue cannot be resolved, they should follow the chain of command per employer procedure.  Their Job Coach and Case Manager will provide assistance when necessary. If there is a problem with the coach they can contact their Case Manager. If there is a problem with their Case Manager they can contact the SEP Program Manager, Lisa Mendoza.

To view San Gabriel Valley Training Center Grievance Procedure, click here

To view the Department of Developmental Services grievance procedure, click here

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Ms. Chris Bellhouse, Senior Counselor, WAP
(626) 968-8479 #122
Email: cbellhouse@sgvtc.org 

Ms. Joy Willison, Intake Coordinator, SEP
(626) 968-8479 #149 
Email: jwillison@sgvtc.org.

Ms. Lisa J. Mendoza , Employment Service Manager
626-968-8479 X 143
email: ljmendoza@sgvtc.org