Work Opportunities
At the Arc of Mercer County, we believe that a job gives a person purpose, dignity and independence. Through our job programs, we strive to help people with disabilities find employment, earn a paycheck and positively contribute to their community. At MCAR, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can take advantage of contract jobs, our on-site businesses, Community Employment program and internship coordination.
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contract workforce
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Since 1980, MCAR has nurtured employment relationships with a number of area businesses that look to hire individuals with disabilities. We provide these businesses with a skilled and competent labor force to do all sorts of jobs, including assembly work, custom parts packaging, bulk mailing preparation, document shredding and inspections. This paid work benefits individuals who might not otherwise be employed.
On-Site Businesses
MCAR runs several on-site businesses where individuals can work and earn a paycheck. These include our Furniture Refinishing Shop, Pallet Shop and custodial crew.
Furniture Restoration and Refinishing Shop
This award-winning shop offers the community quality wood refinishing work at reasonable prices. Since 2005, our Furniture Shop has been voted “Best of the Best” in the furniture refinishing category in The Herald’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Work includes stripping, cleaning, sanding, staining and making minor repairs on wood furniture. All individuals who work in the shop are trained and coached by qualified staff.
Pallet Shop
For over 25 years, MCAR’s Pallet Shop has manufactured standard and specialty pallets, 2-way and 4-way skids and custom crates for a variety of customers. The Pallet Shop workforce is trained and skilled, and our products are quality-controlled to meet customer specifications and satisfaction. Our customer service, manufacturing expertise and just-in-time delivery make our Pallet Shop a leader in the area, and an ideal employment opportunity.
Community Employment
MCAR’s Community Employment program guides and supports an individual in exploring career choices in order to find his/her desired job in the community. We serve as the bridge to successful job placement. Three phases of progression toward a potential job placement in the community are specifically targeted.
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Phase I: Involves a Career Assessment, which defines the individual’s interests, skills, and work/volunteer experiences followed by on-site business experience to assess those identified areas. Specific recommendations are then provided.
Phase II: Job Development, opens opportunities for the individual to develop solid, job-specific skills. This can be accomplished through MCAR’s Internship program, which provides on-the-job skill development in an unpaid position accompanied by various employer contacts to make certain the potential job match will benefit the individual as well as the business owner.
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Phase III: Upon a successful community placement, Phase III will assure maintenance of the individual’s work quality and employer satisfaction through on-going support in all facets of employment, keeping in mind the goal of working toward as much independence as possible. An integrated adult work environment tailored to match the individual’s interests, skills and abilities is a prime example of the untapped resource for any business looking to create more diversity, organizational innovation and economic growth. This is the avenue for the individual to become successfully employed, live as independently as possible, while enjoying a meaningful, secure life.
724-981-2950 x 209
ABOUT US
Since 1952, we have been a leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, we promote human rights, provide residential services and create employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
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