Supported Employment
Helping Hands Improving Lives
Supported employment offers paid work with ongoing help to secure and maintain a job. The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) partners with agencies like Helping Hands Improving Lives that meet RCEB and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) standards. To join, you need strong motivation, a work goal in your Individual Program Plan (IPP), and the ability to do tasks with minor accommodations. Most eligible individuals can start quickly.
Our Mission
Helping Hands Improving Lives is dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities by providing comprehensive support and resources to secure competitive integrated employment. We strive to match each recruit's job preferences with the needs of local businesses, fostering meaningful employment opportunities that enhance workplace relationships and promote professional growth within the community.
Getting Started
Supported Employment Program Eligibility Check List:
To check your program eligibility, please answer these questions:
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Are you committed to working?
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Are you an RCEB client?
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Is a work goal listed in your Individual Program Plan (IPP)?
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Are you legally allowed to work in the U.S.?
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Do you have transportation, or can you use public transportation?
If you answered yes to all five questions, please contact your case manager and express your interest in receiving supported employment services. If you answered no to any questions but still wish to seek employment, we are available to collaborate with you and your RCEB case manager to develop a person-centered plan to identify your employment goals.
About Us
Helping Hands Improving Lives, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2018, assists individuals with developmental disabilities in securing competitive integrated employment (CIE). The organization provides on-site job coaches to facilitate the learning of job routines and ensuring employer expectations are met. The agency is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for adhering to supported employment standards.
Our Team
Job Types:
Our candidates have successfully secured positions in various roles, including:
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Sales Associate
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Custodian
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Package Handler
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Cart Attendant
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Sort Station Attendant
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Lockbox Associate
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Online Fulfillment Shopper
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Asset Protection
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Security Guard
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Courtesy Clerk and Helper
Locations We Serve:
Alameda, Berkely, Concord, Fremont, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Pablo, Walnut Creek.
Employer Partnerships:
Helping Hands collaborates effectively with local employers. We partner with Hiring Managers and HR Representatives to fill their entry-level positions with our recruits.
Our Services
We offer both Employee and Employer employment services:
Rapid Job Placement
The objective is to place candidates in a job within 45 days. Rapid job placement is attainable when candidates are motivated, flexible in job preferences, and open to working weekends or early evenings.
On-Site Job Training
On-site job training assistance is provided throughout employment. The percentage of on-site hours decreases as the employee begins to perform their job tasks independently.
Job Placement/Coaching Support
Our staff will assist with:
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completing on-line applications and Assessment Test
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completing onboarding/new hire documents
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completing employer mandatory or continuing education courses
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using employer web portals to manage pay, time off, benefits, and work schedules
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resolving performance issues/concerns
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requesting shift or schedule changes
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advocating on your behalf including completing accommodation or leave of absence requests
Social Security Insurance and Ticket to Work Program
We assist employees in reporting wages to SSI and explain how their benefits may change based on earnings. Medical benefits remain even if you work and complete a form. Candidates are enrolled in the Ticket to Work Program, ensuring full SSI benefits resume if employment ends. Recertification for benefits will be required soon.
Tailored Day Services
Our Supported Employment TDS program assists candidates who are not yet prepared for immediate job placement by enabling them to explore diverse service sectors, and worksite environments, including practicing interview skills prior to applying for a job. Under this program we provide:
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discovery services to identify vocational themes/hobbies that can be grouped into job roles
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pre-employment services (resumes, interviewing techniques, and visiting employer work sites)
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transportation assessment after job offer. We will show you how to get to the work site using public transportation
Donate Now To Make A Difference!
Monetary donations help new recruits become work ready. When needed, we will fund barber and salon services, mobile phone service, purchase interview clothing, and watches or alarms for time management. Donations will ensure we can continue to fund these services.
How to donate:
To donate, obtain our taxpayer ID, or request a donation receipt, call Selina Henry at (510) 343-1567. We accept monetary contributions, para-transit tickets, gently used work apparel, tablets, watches, alarm clocks, planners, and mobile phones.
We'd love to hear from you!
Helping Hands Improving Lives (510) 343-1567
Allen Henry, Administrator (510) 414-8742
Selina Henry (Donations) (510) 343-1567
