The mission of the Employment Services Department is to provide students with the skills, vocational training and resources to successfully secure employment in an integrated work setting.  All students are paid in accordance with the Department of Labor regulations.  The department consists of five full-time Employment Training Specialists (job coaches), two full-time coordinators and the Director of Employment and Support Services.

The Employment Services Department provides support and services that enable students to participate in individualized, integrated and meaningful employment opportunities.  More than 90% of our students work. 

Job coaches meet with students individually and in group settings while working in conjunction with the classroom teachers and specialists.  Employment recommendations are based upon each students preferences and their abilities. 

In addition to participating in work shifts students also attend weekly vocational groups to address work readiness skills, explore various careers, and expand vocational skills and knowledge.  Some students serve as mentors to less experienced workers.  They assist in the training of peers as a way to further develop their leadership and vocational skills.

Once a student turns 15 years, they are assigned a job coach and formal IEP pre-employment goals.   As stated by the Department of Labor students under the age of 15 are eligible to work for up to one hour per day and participate in school based work shifts only.  Students that are new to work are assessed and over time increase their work duration and vocational skills by participating in a variety of work shifts.

The Guild offers school based work shifts such as

·  Dish room
·  Distribution of school wide documents
·  Kitchen Prep
·  Kitchen Open/Set-up
·  Office Work-shredding, collating and filing
·  Recycling
·  Something's Brewin'-School coffee shop
·  Sun contract work - Bulk mailing
Once a student turns 16, they are allowed to participate in school and community based work shifts and work unrestricted hours.  All students receive ongoing job coaching; both school and community based.  Based on their vocational abilities some students are able to work with fading staff assistance. 
Community based work sites
(Students are paid directly from the employer

• Beaver Brook Pediatrics
• D’Angelo’s Sandwich Shop
• Franklin Park Zoo
• MSPCA
• Rebecca’s Café
• Belmont Manor Nursing Center (Volunteer Site)
• Waltham Public Library
• Waverley Oaks Athletic Club
• Competitive Employment Sites
• Belmont Car Wash
• Francis Food Mart
  

Our goal is to prepare students with real life work experience so that when they graduate from The Guild they are able to successfully secure competitive paying employment.   
We are always interested in and seeking ways to further develop our community based partnerships to expand the level of training students will engage in.