Tiffany Goodman’s first impression of the pre-employment transition services she received was “they were confusing but at the same time fun.” She started working with Nebraska VR to receive these services in twelfth grade at Westside High School. She learned about the opportunity to receive services during an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting at school. She welcomed the chance to obtain job skills and job experiences.
Tiffany, who experiences Autism, says her biggest challenge when it comes to employment is staying on task. Participation in work-based learning experiences was a great opportunity to practice skills to overcome this barrier. In a career exploration activity, she completed an interest inventory with her Nebraska VR Transition Services Specialist Sarah Siemek. Together, they identified jobs she wanted to explore and jobs available in the future.
First, she had a work experience at ABC & Me Child Care Center. She provided organized play activities and helped with the supervision of small children. Tiffany says, “the daycare experience was fun but a little overwhelming.” Next, she learned how to stock shelves, do some light cleaning, and organizing at Heartland Hope Mission. Her worksite skills trainer always had positive things to say about Tiffany and was proud of her being able to work into being independent on the job. When asked how her supervisor at the mission would describe her, she thinks they would say, “I was fun and helpful and good at stocking shelves and organizing donation items.”
Over the summer of 2018, Tiffany participated in a Summer Transition Program at Goodwill in Omaha. She organized shoes, belts, scarves, handbags, cleaning dressing rooms, sweeping aisles, and cleaned counters. Her worksite skills trainer said she was a natural at providing customer service and by the end of the summer program was able to work with minimal prompting.
As part of a transition plan made with her team and her Transition Services Specialist, Tiffany applied and was accepted into a Project SEARCH program at Embassy Suites by Hilton LaVista for the 2018/2019 school year. This one-year school-to-work program is business-led and takes place entirely in the workplace. The experience includes a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations.
Tiffany says the job experience through Project SEARCH has been awesome and exciting. She has learned to ask questions about what supervisors expect, how to speak up for herself, and how to stay busy without always having to ask for a new task to do. She has also gained skills in effective communication with coworkers, classmates, and staff she has worked with in the program. By participating in a variety of work-based learning experiences, Tiffany will have the skills employers need in the community. She is looking forward to gaining competitive and meaningful employment after graduation.
NEworks.nebraska.gov from the Nebraska Department of Labor provides valuable tools for career exploration and job search. The website answers commonly asked questions about the local labor markets, employment and wage data. Registered users can create a résumé. Job openings from over 16,000 sources throughout the State of Nebraska can be searched by keywords, city, and/or Zip Code.
The NEworks Jobs App is available for download from Google Play or Apple’s AppStore. Resources to explore financial assistance, find online learning resources, and search for scholarships are also available.
It is important for students transitioning from school to work to know what to expect in a job interview. We’ve asked Nebraska employers to provide some insight to help students prepare for their first job interview.
What interview questions do you always ask a potential employee in an interview?
Jolie Lewis, Recruitment and Personnel Relations Specialist Caring for People Services, Omaha NE
Frequently Asked Questions from parents, students, and educators
Q: What are the five pre-employment transition services available to students with a signed consent and release form?
A: The five services available to students are:
Q: Can Nebraska VR pay for items such as a driver’s education class, dual credit classes taken in high school or post-secondary education credits for students receiving pre-employment transition services?
A: These services are not considered allowable supports in pre-employment transition services. For more intensive and individualized service a student would need to apply for VR services and an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) would need to be in place.
Q: Can Nebraska VR help a student receiving pre-employment transition services find a job?
A: The purpose of pre-employment transition services is to allow students to explore their interests within the scope of the 5 pre-employment transition services. Job placement is not considered a pre-employment transition service and is more consistent with VR services offered after the completion of a VR application and IPE.
The mission of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) is to promote and advocate for Nebraskans who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing; to achieve equality and opportunity in social, educational, vocational, and legal aspects impacting their daily lives; and to enhance and monitor access to effective communication and telecommunication technology. Learn more at: https://ncdhh.nebraska.gov.
Making a good first impression is an important skill to develop for future success. Whether you are going on a business tour, mock interviewing or participating in a work-based learning experience, your appearance, attitude, and preparedness matters!
Create a Good Impression
Begin Building Rapport Immediately
Appearance Tips
Technology Tip
Remember you will never have a second chance to make a first impression. A great first impression can set the tone for future opportunities!
The Nebraska State Leadership Council (NYLC) seeks students to participate in a unique opportunity to:
Nebraska VR has a long history of providing transition services for youth with disabilities as they transition from school to work. We partner with parents, schools, and employers to help students prepare for the future. Transition Works, published by Nebraska VR, is intended for students with disabilities and their families, as well as educators.
Find additional resources for students at:
Nebraska VR
PO Box 949847
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
Toll Free: 877-637-3422
Learn more about Nebraska VR at: vr.nebraska.gov.
Like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaVR.
Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/NebraskaVR.
Nebraska VR - Where your future begins
The Pathway to Employment Video Series is designed to de-mystify the many services provided to clients and businesses while highlighting the innovation that is the culture of Nebraska VR. While certainly each story is either one of progress towards an employment goal or a client's employment goal success, they are also stories about the important role played by staff members, businesses, ATP, Easter Seals, Project SEARCH, and others. Go to: vr.nebraska.gov/videos/