Local Resources

VESID – EMPLOYERS’ SOLUTION TO A TIGHT JOB MARKET

An innovative short-term Office Skills Program, structured to the needs of both employers and participants, followed by job placement services, is available free to people with disabilities who have some clerical background. The three-week, individualized, 45-hour program for groups of three to six students, is designed and taught by Joan Nilon, M.A. and Ronald P. Colefield, Ph.D., Vocational Rehabilitation and Education professionals with business experience. Training is offered in Computer (MS Windows, MS Word, Internet Research and E-Mail; Basic Skills (Spelling, Grammar, Letter and Memo Writing, Communication Skills and Fundamental Math; and the Job Search (Office Etiquette, Interviewing Techniques and Resume Development). The curriculum, which was well researched with both small and large Westchester companies, is designed to assess job readiness, the need for more training or job placement. Those who successfully complete the program are offered placement services – thereby providing pre-screened clerical/administrative candidates who are ready for the current job market at no cost and with various financial incentives available to local employers.

People with disabilities who are interested in such training may apply for services at the offices of VESID -- Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (NYS Education Department), 75 South Broadway, White Plains, NY. Office Skills training is located at VESID.
For employers, who may be missing one of the best sources of qualified, responsible employees, not only in a tight job market, but in any economic climate, from entry-level workers to professionals, VESID is the definitive matchmaker between employees with all types of disabilities and employers.
Businesses that hire people with disabilities reap the benefits of finding prescreened, dedicated workers at no fee, along with a variety of additional financial incentives through VESID. Among the savings programs for employers are:
WORK TRY OUT– VESID can reimburse employers for 100% of a VESID consumer’s entry-level wages for the first four weeks of work to evaluate a worker’s performance.
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING – VESID can reimburse employers on a sliding scale for the costs of training an employee.
WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT – Provides employers with a Federal tax credit up to $2,400 when hiring an employee with a disability.

WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT – Provides employers with a NY State tax credit up to $2,100 when hiring an employee with a disability.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – Provides reimbursement to the employer for a 90-day internship at a prevailing wage for the consumer to hone skills in a real work environment.
Job Coaching is also available at no cost to the employer to help
individuals who learn at a slower pace master the requirements of a particular
job. VESID also funds many of the state’s human services/non-profit agencies
for vocational rehabilitation services.
According to Perry Rattiner, VESID’s White Plains District Office Marketing Representative, "VESID, under many labels, has been funding job training and placement services to people with disabilities through its provider network for several decades. Unfortunately, VESID has not been given recognition for its advocacy and support while providing training, counseling and placement services to people with disabilities so that they too can share in the dignity of work. In 1999, VESID’s statewide employment figures for people with disabilities increased to an all time record of 16,463 – from 9,031 in 1991."
Mr. Rattiner added that technical support is available for both the employee with a disability who is already working and the employer.

In Westchester and Rockland, VESID offers a three-prong approach towards assisting people with disabilities into the work world -- through in-house Training, Career Counseling, Placement Services and Technical Support; Referrals to Human Services Agencies for specialized vocational rehabilitation services; and Networking with Employers for internship and employment opportunities.
For more information about all of VESID’s services and programs, contact Perry Rattiner, White Plains District Regional Marketing Representative, at 914 946-7437, prattine@mail.nysed.gov. Visit VESID’s web site – www.vesid.nysed.gov/whiteplains/employer.htm.


SPRING, 2001 SCHEDULE
VESID OFFICE SKILLS PROGRAM
Direct Source of Skilled, Job-Ready Employees

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