Choosing a job
If you are not sure about your perfect job, here are a few questions to help you figure out which option is best for you:
- What do you like to do?
- What type of work do you want to do?
- How many hours per week/days do you want to work?
- Do you want to work alone or with co-workers?
- What type of industry do you want to work in?
- What kind of setting do you want to work in?
- What kind of support do you need? What kind of support do you have?
Questions for you to ask places that can help you:
- What will I need to do to get a job?
- What kind of services will you give me to help me look for work?
- What types of jobs do people get when you help them?
- Where do the people you help work?
- When I get a job, will I receive any services?
- If I receive services on the job, what will they be?
Kinds of Employment
There are several kinds of employment that might meet your needs. Work is found in many places. Understanding your job preferences and being prepared with questions will help you get the job you want. The list below explains work by where the work is done and how the worker is paid.
Competitive Employment is work at a community job site, where the worker is paid equally to other people doing the same job, often where many employees do not have disabilities. The worker is an employee of the business and may or may not receive support from a job coach.
Individualized Employment is based on matching the strengths, needs and interests of the job seeker with a disability and the needs of the business. The job seeker gets support in finding the job and may get other support as needed.
Supported Employment is a service that helps individuals with disabilities find work, learn their jobs, keep their jobs and find ways to advance. This service is for people who have never worked or who have not worked for long time.
Self-Employment is a small business run and/or owned by the individual. The fact sheet titled Developing a Career explains more about starting a small business.
Community Based Employment is work that takes place in a business in the community, but the individual is not paid by the business. The individual is paid by a service agency. The following are types of Community Based Employment:
- Enclave – a group of people working at a job site and get support and direction from a service provider. These workers may be paid minimum or below minimum wages.
- Mobile Work Crew – a group of workers who move to different places of work and get support and direction from a service provider.