Employment Services
SVRI’s employment services staff possess knowledge of employer expectations as well as experience working with people who have disabilities to achieve the best possible job placement for both.
Job Development Services
• Identifying local job openings.
• Assisting with the application process, including resumes and cover letters.
• Presenting skills and limitations to the employer in a positive way.
• Negotiating necessary accommodations.
• Arranging training opportunities.
• Providing support in adjusting to a new work setting.
Additional Employment Services:
Work Experience
This service provides participants with an opportunity to receive on-the-job training and skill development in an actual work environment. A training agreement between the participant, referral source, and employer identifies knowledge and skills required. The time-limited work experience provides feedback on performance and appropriateness of the position and results in a recent reference for the participant to use in the job search process. Pay provided is based on the prevailing wage for the position and the referral source purchase order covers wages and workers’ compensation coverage, plus administrative costs.
On-the-Job Assessment
An on-the-job assessment evaluates participants’ soft skills/behaviors and entry-level, position-specific skills. Employers provide feedback, ensuring “real world” assessment. It provides work hardening activity and/or work adjustment (job analysis included) to provide answers to specific, individualized questions outlined in referral information. This service includes an exit meeting with the referral source, employer, and participant and a written summary.
Job Seeking Skills (JSS) Training
This three-day class at SVRI includes development of a master application, resume, cover letter, thank you letter, and job search plan identifying local employment possibilities. Participants practice interviewing and discuss disability disclosure and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Work values, strengths, weaknesses, and skills areas (data, people, things) are discussed to determine best job matches. Arrangements for 1:1 sessions are possible; contact the program manager for details.
Employment-Based Vocational Assessment
This hybrid assessment and job seeking skills service examines areas of interest related to possible employment, appropriateness of current job-seeking tools (e.g. resume, cover letter), ability to complete applications, knowledge of local/area labor market, transferable skills, and benefits of working with a placement specialist. It includes the JSS curriculum, COPS Interest Inventory, and final report with recommendations for job search planning.
Projects with Industry Grant
Since 1982, SVRI has provided quality job placement services for individuals with disabilities under a federal Projects With Industry (PWI) grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Under the grant, job placement assistance is available throughout 11 counties in West Central Wisconsin to any individuals with disabilities at no cost to them. Counties included in the grant are Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Taylor, and Wood.
PWI is a partnership between SVRI and the local employment community to address the employment and training needs of job seekers with disabilities. The guiding philosophy is that qualified job seekers with disabilities whose skills are closely matched with critical job requirements are a valuable resource to employers. A Business Advisory Council comprised predominantly of private sector employers, assists PWI with the development of services designed to meet the needs of both job seekers with disabilities and the local employment community
Contact Us
Cheryl Fine
Employment Services Program Manager
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
University of Wisconsin - Stout
221 10th Avenue East, Room 201B
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-232-1794 (voice)
715-232-1323 (fax)
800-535-6288 ext 1
finec@uwstout.edu