Shamrock Transition and Employment Program  

Sample Scenarios

A STEP student aspired to work as a stock clerk in a grocery store. The STEP Program created an individualized plan to assist that student with developing the skills needed for this position, including but not limited to delivery operations, product display setup, customer interaction, workplace etiquette, and timecard use. After these requisite skills were consistently accomplished, the student applied for a position at the grocery store within the Main Street Business Area on the Shamrock Acres Campus. This controlled retail area, familiar with accommodating STEP students, provides real-world experience under the close supervision of integrated job coaches and employment mentors. After one year of part-time (paid), real-world experience, this STEP student was excelling in his position and was recommended for consideration to work at the Shamrock Country Store. This public-facing retail space on the Shamrock Acres Campus provides additional real-world experience in a less controlled and more demanding environment. After six months of working in this new environment, this student met all employment standards, even with the  increased demands of the new position. Based on this, his job coach reached out to Wegmans—a STEP industry partner—for possible placement. Equipped with almost two years of real-world experience and the requisite skills to serve as a stock clerk, the STEP student applied for a stock clerk position at the Geneseo Wegmans. The student worked there part-time, initially with the assistance and supervision of his job coach. After two months of supervised and assisted work, the student continued to work in this position independently almost 20 hours per week as a valued Wegman’s employee.

A new STEP student has limited interest in standard employment opportunities but has shown an interest in animals. This student was referred to the Shamrock Acres Farm Outdoor Therapy and Discovery Area for possible placement. The student spent several days at the stables and barns with a STEP counselor and quickly demonstrated an affinity for assisting farm staff with basic animal care. The student worked directly with farm staff over several months to master the tasks associated with animal care, such as safely feeding, watering, grooming, and managing several varieties of farm animals (chickens, goats, and horses). After that period, the student continued to work semi-independently at the farm and stables several days per week. Caregivers and staff noted improved communication and positive behavior by the student when involved in these activities.

A STEP student lacked the skills necessary for typical jobs but was very communicative and personable. Based on this student’s friendly, outgoing personality and penchant for greeting people, he was referred to the local Meals on Wheels Program. Paired with a Meals on Wheels driver, the student helped deliver meals each day, enhancing the well-being of numerous elderly and disabled community members. Over time, the student learned each client’s name and was wildly appreciated and cherished by the meal recipients, whom he greeted personally while confidently delivering their prepared meals. Although the position did not provide any monetary compensation, it was a consistent and valuable opportunity for the student and those he served.

A STEP student expressed an interest in becoming a firefighter, but developmental disabilities precluded this type of service. The student and STEP counselor worked with the Shamrock Acres Campus Fire Department to determine what tasks the student might be able to accomplish within her abilities. The STEP program trained the student on the established requisite tasks, and after six months in the program, the student was assigned a firefighter mentor at the campus fire station. The student reported daily to the campus fire station and assisted the firefighters with equipment maintenance, inspections, fire prevention training, and community outreach events. The student became an integral member of the team and was proud of herself and her work at the fire station.