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Supportive Employment
STEP participants and staff members
work on skills in the classroom.
Northern Maine General's supportive employment program, Systematic Transitional Employment Program (STEP), provides vocational training to adults with developmental disabilities. STEP works to prepare its employees for the supportive or competitive jobs of their choice. STEP's target population is adults with disabilities who are eighteen and older and who need assistance and guidance in the transition to competitive employment.
STEP employees are provided with ongoing training, job development and placement, and referrals for independent or semi-independent living programs. Each STEP employee is assigned a job coach who works with them one-on-one to teach employment skills. STEP teaches essential skills including: getting to work on time, getting along with others, learning to use time cards, following instructions, managing time and schedule, developing appropriate workplace etiquette, and accepting feedback.
In learning these skills, employees have the opportunity to perform basic tasks within Northern Maine General. Some employees work alongside the staff of the maintenance and housekeeping departments, in central office, or in the gardens. STEP employees not only gain skills and experience through the program, but also earn a paycheck which gives them the opportunity to develop money-management skills.
The goal of the program is to prepare employees to enter the community workplace. As employees develop independent work habits, they can become less reliant on their job coaches, ultimately relying on themselves.
For more information about STEP, please contact the Program Coordinator at (207) 444-5152 ext. 236.
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