Covid-19 Response and our Delivery of Services

The primary concern of the Community Support Services Department (CSSD) is the health and safety of students, staff, and the community at large. Although we intend to keep both Employment and Community Access Services operating throughout the Pandemic, services for each Individual will be evaluated on an ongoing case by case basis to determine which of their services or which aspects of their services may continue to be delivered. In cases where Individual safety is a concern, services may be modified, delivered online, or suspended to minimize the risk. Throughout the Pandemic, CSSD Management and Employment Services staff will maintain weekly or as needed contact with Individuals and their supports to provide updates and assess their most up to date support needs.

Introduction

The Community Support Services Department provides Community Access and Employment Services for adults with developmental disabilities to facilitate their inclusion in the community as valued, participating and contributing members.

Vision Statement

Inspiring personal growth and community inclusion.

Mission Statement

Committed to assisting individuals with diverse abilities to achieve career and life goals that are personally satisfying and rewarding.

Values and Principles

People with disabilities are individuals who have the same rights, entitlements, responsibilities, expectations and opportunities as every citizen of Canada and Alberta, as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Alberta Human Rights Act.

We recognize these individuals as people first, defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value as a contributing member of the community, not by their disability.

We treat everyone with dignity and respect.

We view each person from a positive perspective in recognizing and supporting the development of their talents, skills and abilities.

We encourage each individual to use their talents, skills and abilities in providing leadership with their peers and within the community.

We promote the independence and protect the rights of each person through education, information sharing, and advocacy.

We provide person centered services, designed and developed around the unique interests, abilities and support needs of each individual.

We support each person and where applicable their support team, including their guardians and family members to make informed choices, especially in situations that may involve risk.

We actively involve each individual and where applicable their support team, including the individual’s guardians and family members, Alberta Community and Social Services, Disabilities, Inclusion and Accessibility Division, service provider(s), support staff and other relevant stakeholders in the service planning process, decision making and implementation.

We advocate for the right of each person to make and change their decisions as they so desire, to have self-determination and control over their lives.

We are dedicated and committed to assisting each person to develop lifelong relationships within their communities through employment, volunteerism, social activities, arts, education, recreation, community association, and community resources.

We facilitate community inclusion and diversity with a particular focus on creating, increasing, and/or sustaining the capacity of communities to welcome these individuals.

We perform our work with the highest levels of accountability, responsibility and integrity.

Admission Requirements

The Community Support Services Department provides services for adults with developmental disabilities. Students must meet eligibility criteria for funding as established by Alberta Community and Social Services, Disabilities, Inclusion and Accessibility Division,. In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, our intake staff evaluates each student in light of our capacity to provide a sufficient level of support.

Tuition Fees

Employment and Community Access Services are funded by the Alberta Community and Social Services, Disabilities, Inclusion and Accessibility Division. Most student fees are covered through this funding, however, students in the Community Access Services must pay for their own program expenses such as entrance fees and activity costs.

Start Dates

Students are accepted into these programs on a continuous intake basis as space permits.

Service Description: Community Access Services

Community Access Services supports each Individual in becoming a valued member of the community through inclusive opportunities in social activities, arts, education, recreation, community association, community resources, and volunteerism. These services are of particular benefit for those Individuals who are either not interested in employment or who are currently employed but desire a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle. Daily, weekly and monthly activity schedules are specific to each Individual and are based on their goals, interests and support requirements. Schedules and activities are reviewed and modified by the Individual and his/her team on a regular basis. Columbia College is utilized as a meeting place, for extra support, and for group or classroom-based activities.

Service Description: Employment Services

Employment Services support each Individual in securing and maintaining paid employment (either independent or supported) in their field of interest. To qualify as paid employment, an employer/employee relationship must exist and the Alberta Employment Standards Code applies. Employment Services are individualized to accommodate the unique occupational interests of each participant and as such there are many different types of paid employment options. Services include: employment preparation, employment placement, and employment sustainment.

Employment Preparation

Employment Preparation assists the Individual and their staff to get to know one another, and for the Individual to develop skills and knowledge for the purpose of obtaining employment. Services include a discovery process to better determine who the Individual is, what type of jobs they may be interested in, their ideal conditions of employment, and what they are capable of doing well. Courses taught at Columbia College prepare participants for the workforce and include personal development, computer basics and work related academics, job maintenance, job search, and job safety. Individuals are assisted in securing and maintaining community based work experience placements where they gain exposure to a variety of potential employment opportunities, develop skills, work alongside others, refine their vocational interests, and market themselves to potential employers.

Employment Placement

Employment Placement assists Individuals with securing and maintaining paid employment. Service may include: job analysis, job matching, job finding, job carving, and on the-job support to assist the Individual in meeting employer expectations, and/or development of a work environment that supports the Individual. Upon securing paid employment, CSSD staff will provide on-site follow-up support for the Individual and their employer to facilitate employment success.

Employment Sustainment

Employment Sustainment assists Individuals and their employers with minimal long-term support and advocacy to facilitate their long term employment success. Support is provided until no longer required.

Course List and Descriptions

For the course list and descriptions for this program, please click here.

Employment: Graduation Success

Over 70% of individuals who enter the Employment Program secure competitive independent employment. Once the three month probation is secured, individuals have experience over 80% retention in their chosen field of work. Employment Services are designed to accommodate the unique occupational interests of each student. As such, employment options are numerous. Previous graduates have secured employment in a variety of fields in a career path of their interest including but not limited to: childcare, automotive, pet care, janitorial, food services, office support, retail etc.

Apply Now

Click here to access the Community Access Services Application Form.

Click here to access the Employment Services Application Form.