Career & Employment

View our "Partners In Success" Employment Video

Preparing for Employment

Arc of Westchester is committed to achieving the highest degree of self-reliance consistent with the personal abilities and choices of individuals with developmental disabilities. Acquiring and retaining meaningful employment is critical to such independence in adult life. Our career services offer personalized career planning, training, job placements and employment-site coaching. Emphasizing community-based employment, we explore the interests and aptitudes of the people we serve, and then match them to work opportunities. Over the years, Arc of Westchester has partnered with approximately 250 businesses in the county, and currently over 300 individuals are working in the community.

Supports during High School

Transition Services begins with staff outreach to students, families and teachers guiding them through the possibilities of life after high school.  Services include support to navigate through the eligibility and benefits process, assessments to determine strengths and skill sets and tours of available programs and employment support services.

In our Summer Enrichment program we offer teens and young adults college experience with career exploration classes along with fun recreational activities taking place on a local college campus with the option to reside in dorms and get a flavor of college life.

Other opportunities include participation in our after school and weekend programs designed to provide students the social experiences that are important for community integration, future employment and life after graduation.

Students are encouraged to experience our community integration program called Choices where recent high school graduates are engaged every day in the community and learn about personal development skills, career goal exploration, self-advocacy, and adult life. Students will participate in role playing, team building projects and working in collaboration with their peers and mentors, along with experiencing employment.

In partnership with school districts on a limited basis, we offer Job Readiness classes focusing on teaching students transition skills in the areas of personal, life and career management. Job Shadowing opportunities offer students first-hand internship experiences that take place at local businesses supported by job coaches, on a first-come, first-served basis and offered to help students continue to develop specific skills and the confidence needed to succeed. Transition training and consultation are always available.

Career Achievement Training

Career Achievement Training is designed for young adults who have graduated from high school, ages 18+ who can benefit from additional instruction in preparation for employment. Taking place in a classroom setting, the curriculum focuses on general knowledge rather than specific skills, including: how to follow directions, adapting to a work routine, developing a work ethic, review appropriate interactions at work and employer expectations.  This training is designed to incorporate internship opportunities to experience real life employment.

Employment Supports, Career Development and Employment Services are based upon personal preferences and skills.  Adults with developmental disabilities are matched with one of over 250 businesses for job opportunities.  Individuals are supported through the process of career exploration and seeking employment. Opportunities include positions in office, retail, food service, maintenance and other settings.  Job coaches provide initial onsite training and then continue to monitor progress for the duration of the work relationship.