FAQ & Additional Resources

(407) 598-0202
info@employu.org
853 State Road 436, Suite 2045, Casselberry, FL 32707

FAQs and Other Resources

At employU we believe that fostering relationships is vital to our success. Everyone we serve is important and every connection we make brings us closer to our goals. We truly appreciate each participant for letting us go along with them on their journey.

And as the saying goes, communication is the key to any successful relationship. Whether it is with a customer, business partner, or agency partner, we emphasize consistent communication to build foundations for beneficial outcomes.

Check out the most frequently asked questions by our customers and business partners. If you have a question that is not answered here, please complete the form below, call us at (407) 598-0202, or email us at info@employu.org.

Contact Us

CUSTOMER MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS

How do I become a customer and receive services from employU?

Typically, employU customers are referred by one of our partners.

Does employU offer virtual/remote sevices?

Yes, employU offers several virtual services. You can find more information on our virtual services here.

Who is Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Visit rehabworks.org to find a local office. Select the directory tab and click on the map.

What is the difference between Vocational Rehabilitation and employU?

While VR and employU are two separate organizations, they work together to support you in your employment journey. VR is the organization that determines which services you are eligible for, while employU is the organization that actually provides those services.

Who is the American Dream Employment Network

The American Dream Employment Network is a consortium of service providers and employers working together to create a path for individuals with disabilities, who are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits, and want to return to, or begin working for the first time. ADEN is an approved Employment Network operating under Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. Visit americandreamen.org for eligibility requirements.

What are my responsibilities and my ES’s responsibilities?

When you meet with your Employment Specialist (ES) you will discuss your interests, skills, job experience, schedule, travel radius, and transportation options. Your ES will use this information to look for jobs that match your needs, help you create a professional resume, find job opportunities, get ready for interviews, and support you in the workplace.

It is important that you actively participate in this process by attending and being prepared for meetings. You are also asked to search for jobs on your own and send any positions that interest you to your ES.

What kind of jobs do you have?

We don’t have a bank of available jobs. Instead, we work with you one-on-one to learn your interests and strengths, then find positions and employers that are a great fit for you. This allows our employment services to be individualized and tailored to each person.

Will someone be on the job with me 100% of the time?

No. Your Employment Specialist may be with you during onboarding and trainings, and to help you transition into your new role. However, they will not be there every shift or the entire shift.

Can my parents come to the appointments?

Yes. We encourage all family support throughout the process.

How many hours will youth clients work?

The number of hours depends on the client’s independence, experience, availability, and the work place needs. We start out at 4 hours per week for 5 weeks to assess the client’s work readiness and determine the amount of assistance they will require. The most students can work during the school year is 15 hours per week.

How do I get my next referral?

You must ask your vocational rehabilitation counselor for your next referral.

How often do I get paid while working an on-the-job training or Work-Based Learning Experience?

You will be paid weekly while working an on-the-job training or Work-Based Learning Experience.

Once working with my Employment Specialist, do I also need to submit job applications?

Yes, you should participate in submitting job applications weekly.  You may also send jobs you are interested in to your Employment Specialist if you need assistance applying.

There is a space for guardian to sign on the documentation, does my guardian need to sign if I am over 18 but still have a legal guardian?

This depends on the terms of your guardianship. Some guardianships require the guardian to also sign, while others don’t.

Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI? How many hours can I work each week?

Yes, but the specific vary case by case and are based on a variety of factors. Contact your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor for a referral for a professional analysis of benefits for more information.

Do you provide transportation?

No. It will be your responsibility to find transportation to and from your worksite. Your ES works with you to determine a travel radius that you are comfortable with and helps you find a worksite in that area.

*During the interviewing phase of the job search, your Employment Specialist may be able to take you to interviews, but this is not guaranteed.

BUSINESS PARTNERS MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS

How can you become a business partner?

Partnering with employU is easy. Just give us a call at (407) 598-0202 and we will set up a meeting to customize your experience.

How long does on-the-job training last?

The average length of an OJT is six to eight weeks. Training length is based on employer needs and difficulty of the job.

Are you required to hire at the end of an on-the-job training?

Employers are not required to offer a job at the completion of an OJT, but extending a job offer to a candidate is always a consideration.

Is minimum wage or liability insurance required?

employU will furnish a copy of our liability insurance coverage for all individuals under the OJT program. As OJT participants are considered an employee of employU, business partners do not pay wages. employU pays our clients wages for the duration of their OJT.

Are there tax Incentives?

There are tax incentives to working with someone that has received services from Vocational Rehabilitation. Learn more about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s website.

BECOMING A TEAM MEMBER FREQUENT QUESTIONS

What do you look for in an ideal candidate?

Ideal candidates posses the following skills

Organized
Multi-tasker
Open minded
Quick learner
Bilingual Spanish/English(optional but helpful)
Above average computer skills
Sales experience
Management experience
Teaching experience
Can “think outside the box”
Understanding and patient
Knowledge of job market in the area
Negotiating skills- for customized jobs for clients

What must the potential employee required to have and be able to use?

Laptop and smartphone

Is driving required?

Yes. We do reimburse mileage.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

https://rehabworks.org
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job.

Vocational Rehabilitation Your Guide to Orientation Video

https://youtu.be/qxjYH1xYgrs

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (A.P.D.)

https://apd.myflorida.com/
APD works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services.

American Dream Network (ADEN)

https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/
ADEN provides technical assistance and training to employment service providers who offer high-quality employment services to Social Security disability beneficiaries through Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work program. ADEN is a division of National Disability Institute.

Disability Rights Florida

https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/
Disability Rights Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and rights protection for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. Staff attorneys, advocates, and investigators address civil rights violations, abuse and neglect, and discrimination.

Disability Rights – Topics of Discussion

https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/disability-topics

Disability Rights Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and rights protection for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. Staff attorneys, advocates, and investigators address civil rights violations, abuse and neglect, and discrimination.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

https://askjan.org/
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.

SSA Ticket to Work

https://choosework.ssa.gov/
Social Security’s Ticket to Work program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries age 18 through 64 who want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. The Ticket program helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence.

Ticket To Work Introduction Video

https://choosework.ssa.gov/library/meet-ben-an-introduction-to-ticket-to-work

The Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary program available to recipients who wish to pursue employment opportunities. The program aims to help decrease reliance on SSI and SSDI and increase financial and independent well-being of program recipients. employU is partnered with the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) as an Employment Network Service Provider offering career development opportunities to beneficiaries.