Alpha Career Options assists people with developmental disabilities in finding and maintaining successful employment within the community through job preparation, job development and job coaching. Many of the individuals we have supported have found long-term success working competitively in the community. Through our program, individuals become valued members of the community and learn important skills such as time management and problem solving, all while boosting their self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills. We are not a “one size fits all” program, and we thoroughly assess and prepare individuals for the jobs most suitable for both the employer and the employee.
Watch the video below to hear a testimonial from one of the individuals in the program and see how much their job has impacted their life!
Alpha Career Options provides:
• Job Preparation (resume building, interview readiness and personal & professional reference organization)
• Job Development (interaction with local business owners and hiring managers as well as community assessments at the company)
• On Site Job Training (assistance with new hire paperwork, orientation and job coaching)
• Extended Job Coaching (long-term coaching supports available for individuals who retain a job longer than 4 months)
In addition to providing coaching and assistance to individuals searching for a job, Alpha Career Options also markets the benefits of hiring an individual with developmental disabilities and the positive effect it can have on both the business and the community. We work closely with local businesses and individuals to better understand the wants and needs of both parties to ensure mutual satisfaction. Our job coaches work closely with local businesses to match prospective employers with eager employees to ensure success. We provide the following services to local businesses at no cost:
• Realistic appraisal of individual skills and abilities
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Consultation
• On-the-Job Training
• Extended support
• Disability awareness training for employer and staff
These services are available to individuals of working age who have been diagnosed with a disability. Alpha Career Options partners with ACCESS-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation), OMH (Office of Mental Health), and OPWDD (Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities).
Some of the current partners of Alpha Career Options are:
• Ballston Area Community Center
• Burger King
• Byron’s IGA Market
• Corinth Central Schools
• Cudney’s Cleaners
• Embassy Suites
• Exit 9 Wine and Liquor
• Fresh Market
• Hannaford Supermarkets
• Hoffman Car Wash
• Home Depot
• Janitronics
• Marshalls
• McDonald’s
• Olive Garden
• Price Chopper / Market 32
• Saratoga Casino and Raceway
• Saratoga Hospital
• Saratoga National Golf Club
• Saratoga Springs Public Library
• Seton Health at Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare
• Smile Lodge Pediatric Dentistry
• Stewart’s Shops
• Target
• TJ Maxx
• Tops Market
• Walmart
• Wesley Health Care Center
• YMCA (Saratoga, Wilton and Malta Branches)
Regardless of the employment program, all the individuals we serve welcome the opportunity to have a job and earn money. For more information about Saratoga Bridges’ Employment Services, please contact Sonya Nickol at snickol@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1311.