Employer Partnerships

Employment Concepts is a program that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities find employment. It is part of a national initiative to help those with disabilities become contributing members of their community through meaningful, integrated employment.

Our job seekers are well-qualified and offer a broad range of skills and abilities. They are referred to Employment Concepts directly out of high school by Trudeau’s Adult Day Services or the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services.

Our professional staff prepares each individual for the workplace and provides on-the-job support to help them succeed.

How Employment Concepts Can Help Your Business

Tax Incentives

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides eligible employers with a tax credit of up to 40% of the first $6,000 of first-year wages for a new employee who is part of a targeted group of those with disabilities, which must be certified by the appropriate government agencies. The tax credit is available to the employer once the employee has worked at least 120 hours or 90 days. Employers claim the credit on Form 5884, Work Opportunity Credit.

Qualified, Dedicated and Diverse Staff

The tax advantages are just one of the benefits an employer can receive when they participate in integrated community employment through Employment Concepts and employ an individual from the program. Others include:

• Qualified employees
• Reduced turnover
• Job Coaching by Certified Employment Support Professionals
• Reduce training costs
• No recruitment costs
• Dedicated employees
• Diversity in the workplace
• Improved workplace morale
• Well-trained support system

Employee Volunteer Opportunities

As part of your company’s partnership with Trudeau, we also offer volunteer opportunities for any of your employees who are interested in learning more about our organization and further supporting our mission.

How We Prepare Individuals for the Workplace

Participants complete an assessment of work readiness, at which time we provide pre-vocational training opportunities to help them develop employment skills. This is followed by a four-week Work Readiness class. Individuals may also build skills through volunteer opportunities.

At the conclusion of the class, we provide a vocational evaluation and a situational assessment in collaboration with the Office of Rehabilitation Services to evaluate performance in a specific area of interest and to help ensure a smooth transition to the workplace.