Nassau Works

Program Description

Nassau Works is The Arc Nassau’s dynamic employment readiness and supported employment program, designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental differences find purpose and pride in the workforce. With a focus on building confidence, developing job skills, and securing meaningful employment, Nassau Works offers hands-on training, resume support, interview preparation, job coaching, and ongoing workplace advocacy. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time or exploring new career paths, Nassau Works empowers each individual to succeed while helping local businesses embrace inclusive hiring. Because when everyone works, the whole community wins!

Persons Served/Program Eligibility

Individuals with Disabilities served: Autism Spectrum, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, intellectual disabilities and other types of development disabilities and may include other intellectual, mental or physical challenges. Individuals with other disabilities will also be considered. Individuals must express a desire and interest to obtain and maintain competitive community-based employment.

Services Provided

Nassau Works will provide services to Vocational Rehabilitation clients as assigned and agreed upon as well as other individuals requesting services on a case-by-case basis. Services will include Discovery, Pre-Placement Training, Employment Services (short term), Supported Employment (long term) and follow along services. These services include career exploration, job development and development of workplace supports.

Pre-employment training – Update your job readiness by becoming familiar with basic skills for success.
Discovery – Find your interests and abilities and form themes that lead to the creation of a great employment fit for the job seeker and the employer
Volunteer opportunities – Learn the value of volunteering to learn new skills and give back to the community.
On the Job Training – An opportunity to increase skills and discover new areas of interest and ability. A chance to learn about expectations, policies and workplace rules and regulations.
Employment Services – Assistance in finding the right job for you. Learn to navigate the online and in-person job applications, interviews, and work environments.
Supported Employment – Coaching to help you land that job and keep that job. Learn skills with the support of your employer and a coach.

Values in Supported Employment

The Values and Principles underpinning Nassau Works Employment Program are completely consistent with the concepts of empowerment, social inclusion, dignity and respect for individuals.

In the framework of Supported Employment those concepts can be further defined by the following values and principles that are present at all supported employment stages and activities:

Individuality

Nassau Works Employment Program regards each individual as unique, with his / her own interests, preferences, conditions and life history.

Respect

Nassau Works Employment Program activities are always age-appropriate, dignifying and enhancing.

Self-determination

Nassau Works Employment Program assists individuals to improve their interests and preferences, express their choices, and define their employment/life plan according to personal and contextual conditions. It promotes the principles of self-advocacy by individuals.

Informed choice

Nassau Works Employment Program assists individuals to understand their opportunities fully so they can choose consistently within their preferences and with an understanding of the consequences of their choices.

Empowerment

Nassau Works Employment Program assists individuals to make decisions in regards to their work based on their skills, abilities and interests. Individuals are involved in the planning, evaluation and development of services.

Confidentiality

Nassau Works Employment Program considers information given by individuals served as confidential. The individual has access to his/her personal information gathered by the provider and any disclosure is at the discretion of and with the agreement of the individual.

Flexibility

Staff and organizational structures are able to change according to the needs of the individuals. Services are flexible and responsive to the needs of individuals and can be adapted to meet specific requirements. Facilities and information are fully accessible to all people with disabilities.

Accessibility

Nassau Works Employment Program facilities and information are fully accessible to all people with disabilities.

“Nassau Works provides support to people with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups to secure and maintain paid employment in the competitive labor market”.

Career Camp

Students who have been accepted to college, or a recognized educational program or are in college between the ages of 18 and 21 are eligible for a Career Camp funded by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and provided by Nassau Works. Individuals must have an IEP or 504 Plan documenting a disability and involved with Vocational Rehabilitation.

The student will be provided training and support in Job Exploration Counseling, Postsecondary Education Counseling, and Work-based Learning Experiences, (See descriptions below). The goal is to give students an opportunity to have information at the earliest possible time to help them with motivation, making choices and decisions, choices about higher education or training and future employment.

The following services may be provided:

Job Exploration Counseling: Instruction on the benefits of competitive integrated employment and employment options at every level of education available in the local labor market. This may include, but is not limited to, reviewing interest and ability surveys, reviewing career websites, instruction on career choices, or other similar activities.

Postsecondary Educational Counseling: Exposure to opportunities for enrollment in postsecondary educational programs or education options and programs available in the local community, length of training for a particular area and identifying financial aid options. Timeframes for application, admission, and financial aid will be reviewed. Exposure to the disability services office and other types of assistance that is available.

Work-based Learning Experiences: Work Behaviors for attendance and timeliness, active listening skills, appropriate interpersonal communication skills, professional speech in the workplace with Field trips, Job shadows, company tours and information interviews in the community.

If you have students that are interested in this program please consider them for this program:

The Arc Nassau, Nassau Works:

Natasha Skidmore

Nassau Works Employment Services Manager

Please Call: 904-225-9355

Natasha Skidmore serves as the Program Manager of Employment Services at The Arc Nassau, where she brings passion, dedication, and heart to every aspect of her work. With a strong background in vocational support and inclusive employment practices, Natasha is a tireless advocate for creating opportunities that allow individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. Her leadership is rooted in compassion and collaboration, ensuring each participant in our Nassau Works program receives personalized guidance and meaningful support. Natasha’s commitment to empowering others is felt throughout our organization and across the community, as she continues to build bridges between individuals, employers, and lifelong success.