AK

Supported Employment

Supported Employment services provide training and assistance to help support clients in job development and sustaining paid employment at or above minimum wage unless the client is operating a small business. This service can be performed on a full or part-time basis and at a level of benefits paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by employees. The provider assists with the acquisition, retention, or improvement of skills related to accessing and maintaining such employment, or developing and operating a small business. With the assistance of the provider, the client receives help in securing employment according to the client's knowledge, skills, abilities, supports needed, desired goals, and planned outcomes. This service is conducted in a variety of settings, including work sites in which individuals without disabilities are employed. This service includes assisting a client to learn job tasks needed to be employed, and the client is included in all aspects of job development, interviewing, and job seeking activities.

Supported employment providers focus on the client’s knowledge, skills, abilities, supports needed, and use of any federal Social Security work incentive programs to maximize income, as well as provide consultation to the employer on ways to support the client in order to sustain paid employment. To generate additional funding to support a client's employment goals, supported employment coaches ensure that the clients they serve are aware of, and encouraged to utilize the various work incentives and employment planning tools that are available, in particular, Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), the Plan to Achieve Self Sufficiency (PASS), and others that will benefit the individual.

Supported Living Coaching​

Supported Living Coaching services include but are not limited to assistance with locating appropriate housing; the acquisition, retention, or improvement of skills related to activities of daily living (e.g., personal hygiene and grooming); household chores; meal preparation; shopping; personal finances; and the social and adaptive skills necessary to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to reside on their own.

Personal supports​​

Personal supports services provide assistance and training to the client in activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, and preparation of meals. When specified in the support plan, this service can also include heavy household chores to make the home safer, such as washing floors, windows and walls; tacking down loose rugs and tiles; or moving heavy items or furniture. Services also include non-medical care, and supervision. This service can provide access to community-based activities that cannot be provided by natural or unpaid community supports and are likely to result in an increased ability to access community resources without paid support.
 

Personal supports are designed to encourage community integration. Personal supports in supported living are also designated to teach the recipient about home-related responsibilities.

Companion services​
 

Companion services consist of non-medical care, supervision, and socialization activities provided to clients age 21 years or older. This service must be provided in direct relation to the achievement of the client's goals as specified in the client's support plan. The service provides access to community-based activities that cannot be provided by natural or other unpaid supports, and defined as activities most likely to result in increased ability to access community resources without paid support. These services may be scheduled on a regular, long-term basis.