Employment Program Services
Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)
Governor Brown signed California’s Employment First Policy into law in October 2013. This policy and other laws strive for competitive employment, helping people with developmental disabilities find jobs where they can work alongside others and earn fair wages. This could also include working for yourself in your own small business.
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and the California Department of Education (CDE) work together to support this policy. This approach is often called “Competitive Integrated Employment” (CIE) or “Real Work for Real Pay in the Real World.”
With the right proper support, opportunities, and ambition, people with developmental disabilities can thrive in the workplace, build relationships with coworkers, and become more connected to their community.
Learn more at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Pathways to Employment
What is the best option for you?
Do you need work experience? A paid internship is a great way to learn new job skills and gain experience to build your resume for future jobs. Not your forever job, just a jumping point!
Are you ready for a job in the community? Do you need on-site support to learn your job duties or help with requesting accommodation? SE would be an excellent fit for you! A job coach can help!
If you are exiting a work activity program, subminimum wage setting, or within two years of leaving high school, to achieve or advance in employment with a Career Pathway Navigator (CPN) and a Customized Employment Specialist (CES). Services are time-limited to 18 months but can be extended to a maximum of 24 months.
On the fence about a job? TDScan helps you find employment, get out in the community for activities, work on your job skills, volunteer to gain work experience, and explore your educational options.
Not ready to work yet? Or maybe you need a break from working! Day programs are a great way to engage with your peers and with the community during your day. You can be on-site or out and about doing activities. You can always explore employment at your own pace when you are ready!
It is up to you! You are the captain of this ship! There are so many options available to help you achieve your goals. Talk with your SC to see which option is best for you.
Paid Internship Program (PIP)
The Paid Internship Program helps individuals develop their job skills and gain valuable work experience that can lead to a paid job in the future. In some cases, the internship may even lead to a full- or part-time job at the same location. This is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and take big steps toward a successful career.
The program helps promote competitive integrated employment (CIE) and offers paid internships that can be set up like traditional internships or apprenticeships and can even support self-employment. The funds provided for these internships cover wages (at least minimum wage) and payroll costs. Each eligible person can have up to 1,040 hours of paid internship time per year and participate in more than one internship at a time.
- Anyone who is an SDRC client, at least 18 years old, and seeking employment.
- Individuals who can travel independently or have reliable transportation options.
- Transition-aged students aged 18-22.
The IPP team meets to identify key details for the internship. These include the purpose, such as learning work tasks, improving communication skills, gaining experience for a resume, mastering a trade, or preparing to start a business. The team will also outline the number of hours, weekly schedule, and completion date for the internship.
For any potential internship, a planning and budget sheet must be completed and then reviewed by the Employment Resource Coordinator. Once everything is verified, funding is arranged through a Financial Management Co-Employer (FMS), who helps manage payments and ensures the funds are properly allocated for the internship.
Contact Michelle Flores, Employment Services Coordinator (Community Services) at Michelle.Flores@sdrc.org.
Supported Employment
Adults who want to work may qualify for Supported Employment services. These supports can include help finding a job, transportation training, paid internships, and specialized job training.
The planning team determines whether Supported Employment is the right service. The adult, his or her service coordinator, the Department of Rehabilitation, and other members of the planning team work together to create an agreement about the supports that might be most helpful. Supported Employment can be provided in individual or group settings, depending on the person’s needs, interests, talents, and skills.
Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP)
Coordinated Career Pathways helps individuals find jobs that offer equal pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth. CCP services are tailored to the specific needs and work goals of the individual.
Learn more about CCP by watching the video presentation
Download the PowerPoint presentation
Find answers to frequently asked questions
- Career Pathways Navigator (CPN)
CPN helps individuals and their families navigate career planning and identify career goals. CPN will work with you and your family to create a Person-Centered Career Plan (PCCP). - Customized Employment Specialist (CES)
The CES helps individuals secure a job that is tailored to their unique talents, skills, and interests, matching the employer’s needs, and builds on this information to guide and support the individual in a person-centered, needs-focused job search.
CCP can be used together with other services, including Supported Employment (SE), Community Integration Training (CIT), and Tailored Day Services (TDS).
(CCP does NOT include job coaching.)
How Long Can I Use This Service?
Participants can receive this service for 18 months. It may extend to 24 months based on the individual’s needs (contact your Service Coordinator).
CCP is not a full-time service
