No, the Employment Network is not a day habilitation program. The Employment Network are services through the RCAAS and funded by DVRS that can help you obtain and maintain employment either at Rutgers or in the local community (Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset and Union Counties.)
No, SCALE is a program for participants that is DDD funded and uses both community based supports and behavior supports. Participants in the SCALE program receive services weekdays 9am-3pm. The Employment Network uses job coaching services through DVRS and case management support from an Employment Specialist. Job coaching services are delivered at the person's place of employment. The employment specialist can meet with the person at the RCAAS or at their job. For more information about Scale you can check out the SCALE webpage.
The Employment Network is not a program that is based in Applied Behavior Analysis. The Employment Specialists have master degrees in social work, psychology or related fields. The kind of support they provide is case management and counseling like guidance. The job coaches are there to support you on your job and the Employment Specialists will oversee them to make sure they are teaching you the skills you need in ways that work for you. The Employment Network does not offer behavior supports and does not offer ABA services.
All services through the Employment Network are delivered 1:1. You may have co workers who are also a part of the Employment Network but everyone will be receiving their own 1:1 individualized services.
Our Employment Specialists have a range of established employment partners at Rutgers but also in the local community (Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Union, or Somerset Counties) that offer a wide range of jobs. Some of our established employment partners include the Rutgers Dining Services where you could work in the kitchen or in the main dining room, the Rutgers Golf Course where you could assist on the field or in the golf store and Rutgers Postal Service where you would sort and deliver mail. We also have connections with local businesses like the RWJ hospital and Thomas Sweets Ice Cream Store. Our Employment Specialists will look at both the RCAAS Employment Partners and other jobs when working with you to decide where you would like to work.
The Employment Specialist will work with you to find something that fits your skill set and if possible is related to your field of study.
There are no fees if you are part of the Ticket to Work program then the Employment Specialist services will be fully funded through that. The job coaching services are funded through DVRS and there are no fees to use job coaching services through DVRS.
If you are not a part of the Ticket to Work program for people looking to get off of SSI or SSDI you may still be able to access services that our Employment Specialists provide with out of pocket fees. We do not accept insurance.
The job coach is funded through DVRS. The Employment Specialist is funded through the Ticket to Work program for SSI / SSDI beneficiaries. So the core services of The Employment Network are not funded through DDD.
If you have DDD and want or need to supplement the Employment Network Services here are some ways to do that.
If you need long term supports on the job you could access your DDD budget for Supported Employment. You can also use your DDD budget to help with getting and Uber/Lyft for transportation to work. If you may need support with non related work things like during your lunch hour or want to have support at times when you aren't working you could access the Community Based Supports section of your DDD budget.
There are ways to maintain Medicaid eligibility once off SSI / SSDI. Each person in the Employment Network will have the opportunity to meet with the RCAAS Benefits Counseling to make sure they can work while maintaining their Medicaid or other disability benefits.
The Employment Specialists are the staff at the RCAAS that will work directly with you as a case manager. The job coaches are employed from outside agencies that accept DVRS funding, but are overseen by the Employment Specialists.
The Employment Network services are completely voluntary to join. You may stop utilizing our services at any time. We encourage you to talk with your Employment Specialist if you have any concerns about your job or are considering withdrawing from the services.
No, you would need to be able to get to the RCAAS to meet with your Employment Specialist and be able to get to your place of work on your own. We can provide resources for general transportation options like Access Link, Middlesex Ride or if working on Rutgers campus you can utilize the free Rutgers bus system.
You will receive 1:1 job coaching on the job that starts intensively then fades to check ins. DVRS services are time limited. If you have DDD and need more intensive follow along services you can access the Supported Employment part of your budget. The Employment Specialist will work more frequently with you at the beginning of you looking for jobs and when you start your new job but they will continue to check in across the whole time you stay employed that the job.
The RCAAS also has mental health therapists you could access through our Psychological Services Clinic. This is a private pay program but may be helpful if needed to supplement support along with The Employment Network Services. If you have DDD you can access transportation supports, community based 1:1 supports for times when you aren't working or if you just need assistance with the non task related parts of the job, or supported employment for extra job coaching support long term.
You cannot be a ticket to work recipient unless you want to work enough hours (general over 25 a week) to get off of SSI/SSDI.
If you are employed by Rutgers University full time (over 37.5 hours a week) you can access the Rutgers facilities for free like the Rutgers Rec Centers pool and gym.
If you are employed by Rutgers University part time you can access Rutgers Rec Centers pool and gym if you pay the monthly fee.
Anyone, whether you work at Rutgers or not, can access the Rutgers libraries, Rutgers Yard (food stores), Rutgers Barnes and Nobles, Rutgers Student Centers, Rutgers Movie Theater and the Rutgers farm.
You can also pay cash to eat in any of the student centers or dining halls.
The Rutgers bus system is free and open to anyone regardless to if they work at Rutgers or not.
If visiting the RCAAS you may park in the visitor spots that are right next to the RCAAS.
At your job, parking will vary depending on your job location. If working at Rutgers some people choose to come to the RCAAS first then take a local Rutgers bus to their job at Rutgers.