Work Discovery
Program Description
The WIU Work Discovery Program is a transition program designed to help students with IEP's explore and experience working in a community setting, under the supervision of a job coach. Small groups of 3-5 students attend one of our 34 community sites, located near their school, within Westmoreland County. These community partners encourage the students to learn and practice marketable job skills, along with the social skills and professionalism needed to acquire and maintain employment after graduation.
Students gain experience in:
- Consumer/Service
- Assembly/Industrial
- Landscaping/Outdoor Maintenance
- Warehouse/Stocking
- Child care/Education
- Housekeeping
- Processing
- Retail
- Dietary
Our Partners
Please click on any icon below to learn more about our partners.
Students usually attend the program one to five days a week for either a half-day or a full-day, for the entire school year. An evaluation of the student's job performance, professionalism and social skills is completed on a daily basis and reviewed with the student and shared with his/her teacher.
Program Goals
- To assess the physical and mental requirements for work readiness in a community setting
- To offer training on specific job tasks
- To offer training on interpersonal skills necessary for job retention
- To experience the work environment directly with supported instruction
- To broaden the knowledge and skills of students for increased vocational independence
Student Qualifications
- Students must be 16 years of age when they start the program
- Students must have an IEP
- Students must be able to communicate with their job coach and partner site personnel and be able to understand directions given
- Students must be ambulatory
- Students must be able to function independently or have a personal care assistant accompany them
- Because this is a voluntary program
- Students must be willing participants
- Students and parents must complete all documents
- Students and parents must agree to program and work site rules and regulations
Coming Soon...
Information for Businesses
Information for Parents and Teachers