MY CAREER
Looking for a job, or the skills to achieve your career goals? This is the place to start!
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
The Arc ECT offers a wide range of employment programming, training and job placement services for individuals with IDD. In addition to working with dozens of local businesses to provide them with the perfect job candidate, we also foster entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals that are tailored to address each person’s needs and goals. Our Employment Programs include:
• Individual and group employment placement and worksite support
• Life skills, job readiness and self-advocacy trainings and more
• Career-specific programs in culinary arts, retail, landscaping, aquaponics, hospitality/cleaning
• Micro-enterprises that offer real-world experience that translates to competitive employment with area businesses
The Arc ECT offers a variety of support and resources to help you on your journey to employment — including a variety of groups and workshops that focus on the job search and interview skills, peer and supervisor interaction — with the goal of building a positive self-image, civic responsibility and good decision-making skills.
We also provide situational and vocational assessment coordination between you and supervisors. Our trained Job Coaches and Job Development team helps employees advocate for — and receive fair wages and treatment.
Life Skills are also addressed in all our employment programming — including money management, cooking, good personal hygiene, stress management, reading/writing skills, time management, and social/leisure skills.
Employment Services (Woodstock, CT) provides a variety of employment services to 20 people. Our staff work to find and maintain employment that is best suited to each Participant’s skills, experience and interests.
The Employment Transition Center (Groton, CT) provides employment and day support to 88 people. The Employment Transition Center begins preparing students at age 16 and provides support until the age of retirement.
The Transitional Employment Services (TES) Program provides hands-on vocational training and experience with local community partners, including the YMCA and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, to people ages 21+, over a 3-year period.
Both programs include internships, career exploration, job-seeking skills/strategies, computer skills, financial management, civic participation, social skills, plus health and fitness activities.
The Arc ECT is proud to partner with employers committed to Real Work for Real Pay providing the minimum hourly wage or higher.
MICRO-ENTERPRISES
The Arc ECT’s Micro-Enterprises match employees with jobs in their fields of choice — from retail to
baking — where you’ll receive training and support to develop your career.
Looking to start a career in baking?
Trainees are involved in all aspects of cookie production, from making the dough, to using the equipment, packaging, delivery and fulfillment. The cookie production crew works with the Culinary Arts Program to create custom orders for corporate events, special occasions, weddings and more.
Enjoy helping the environment and making the world a cleaner place?
The Arc ECT’s Donation Station (located in Woodstock, CT, next to The Arc Emporium Thrift Store), is the only donation/redemption center in the region, bringing in over 36,000 recyclable items each week.
Team members are trained in the operation of the machinery, sorting and feeding the machines in this growing — and extremely important field.
Enjoy working in a store?
The Emporium is our thrift shop that sells a wide range of gently-used items, including clothing, furniture, vintage décor, books movies and more. You’ll be trained to clean/prepare items for resale, as well as manage inventory and sales.
JOB LISTINGS
The Arc ECT partners with local businesses to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) find meaningful work in the community. We regularly post job openings from inclusive employers who value diverse abilities and are committed to providing supportive, accessible workplaces. Check back often for the latest opportunities to grow your skills, earn income, and be part of a team.
INTERNSHIPS
Always wanted to be a chef? Or work in an office? Internships are a really great way to 'try' a job and get real-world experience. Internships give you an opportunity to learn about a new career, meet new people, learn a trade, plus get valuable life-skills and job skills.
Internships are temporary and can last from a couple of weeks, to a couple of months. For some people, internships can become a full, or part-time job. Internships generally do not pay a salary (some do), but some companies may pay for your travel or food expenses.
Interested in becoming an intern? Click the link below to apply.
YOUR RIGHTS / ADA
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits private employers, State and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees, including State and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations.
