At AutonomyWorks, we believe that every Associate contributes to the growth and success of our company. We have developed a ground-breaking approach to training and development of our Associates that allows us to match and develop the skills of individuals to the needs of our clients. Our Multiple Paths to Employment model utilizes a tiered training environment to give every individual the greatest opportunity to succeed.
Most work training programs do little to prepare people with autism for the work force because they focus on training that does not leverage their unique skills and abilities. Furthermore, typical jobs and work environments are not designed to accommodate the needs and challenges of individuals with autism. As a result, the employment rate for adults with autism is less than 20% – substantially lower than the general market rate of 70%.
Sourcing:
AutonomyWorks partners with state organizations, schools, and community-based service providers to identify and source talented Associates. We connect with individuals on the autism spectrum and others with similar abilities, focusing on their skills, strengths, and interests to ensure alignment with our work and long-term success.
There are multiple paths to competitive employment at AutonomyWorks. Candidates may participate in different steps throughout the process, and each path is tailored based on individual strengths, skills, and support needs. Below are some of the steps candidates may take on their path to employment.
Job Shadow Days:
The first step in the hiring process is a Job Shadow. AutonomyWorks hosts Job Shadow events to screen potential Associates. During the Job Shadow, individuals learn about our company, interact with our current team, ask questions, and try a work sample set. The Job Shadow is less than two hours in duration and was designed to give individuals a first introduction to AutonomyWorks and the type of work we complete for our clients. After the Job Shadow, individuals demonstrating a skill set match and a preference towards the work advance to the next step in our process, an Assessment Day.
Assessment Days:
Following a Job Shadow event, individuals may be invited back to AutonomyWorks for an Assessment Day. The Assessment Day was designed in collaboration with industry experts to provide a comprehensive view of a potential Associate’s skill set. Assessment Days are structured sessions designed to evaluate industry-specific and professional skills through a series of work samples, helping determine the best fit within our team. After an Assessment Day, all individuals are provided with feedback and analysis of their performance during the day.
Work Experience Training Program:
Our Work Experience Training Program provides industry-specific and professional skills training to help individuals gain experience and better prepare them for competitive employment. Qualified participants are invited to take part in a voluntary training program. Trainees receive hands-on, experiential training to develop a range of skills and competencies. Individuals receive performance feedback and evaluations throughout the program with the goal of setting them up for success in the workplace.
Apprenticeship:
Candidates may be offered a paid Apprenticeship if their skills align with the role. Apprentices focus on mastering client work while receiving ongoing support to further develop their skills. Performance is evaluated against Associate benchmarks, with the goal of transitioning into a long-term Associate role.
If you are interested in learning more about our Associate positions, please click the link below.