Community Opportunities

This program helps students acquire and keep paid employment and volunteer positions in the community.  There are currently 35 students working at businesses from Siesta Key to North Port and Englewood.

Job coaches provide help with identifying opportunities, completing applications, choosing appropriate clothing, telling time, and transportation. They also assist the student at the job interview and work with the student at the job site, providing training and support.  As the employee masters the position's requirements, the coaches reduce the amount of supervision, but still support individuals when they are needed. 

Loveland students also volunteer with community organizations such as the Suncoast Humane Society and the Selby Foundation.  Some other ways in which students volunteer include: delivering lunches for Meals on Wheels, logging in returned books at our local libraries, and working with children at an elementary school.  All these experiences build self-esteem and improve social skills while allowing students to explore areas of personal interest. It means a great deal to the students to know that they are making a difference in people's lives and making positive contributions to the community.

 

About the Program:

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Community Opportunity Details

Referrals – come from Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Assist students in job & volunteer exploration Job Assessments – via interviews with student, DVR, family, friends, etc. to help determine interest in working and type of employment desired. Situational Assessments – before a student goes out into the community to start looking for work this gives the student and staff the opportunity to try out different jobs Pre-employment help with applications, clothing, hygiene, transportation, telling time.

Assist with job interview Work side by side with student to learn the acquired job. Train co-worker and/or student’s supervisor to help “job coach.” Withdraw intensity of job coaching as student’s ability to work independently increases. Maintain good communication with employment site’s manager and/or supervisor. Post graduate service – visit every two months to evaluate need for services. If student becomes loses job, find another job opportunity. Determine interest in volunteering and help student find volunteer opportunities.