THE ROLAND CENTER
EMPOWERING ADULTS WITH IDD | EST. 1960
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Real jobs. Real wages. Real futures.
Work is more than a paycheck. It's identity, purpose, structure, and belonging. The Roland Center's Supported Employment and Career Development program exists because we believe every adult with IDD deserves the opportunity to contribute their talents in the workplace, and be valued for doing so.
We provide comprehensive employment supports that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities find, secure, and succeed in real jobs in integrated community workplaces. Our approach is not about sheltered work or busy work. It's about meaningful, paid employment that aligns with each person's skills, interests, and career goals.
What We Provide
Our Supported Employment services walk alongside participants at every stage of the career development journey:
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Career exploration and interest/skills assessment
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Resume development and interview preparation
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Job development through active outreach to employers on behalf of participants
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Job placement in community-integrated workplaces
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Pursuit of customized employment opportunities tailored to the individual
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Job coaching and on-site training support during employment
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Ongoing follow-along support to help participants maintain and advance in their careers
Our Approach
We match people to jobs, not jobs to slots. Every placement begins with a genuine understanding of the individual: what they're good at, what they enjoy, what kind of environment helps them succeed, and what they want their future to look like. From there, our job developers actively cultivate relationships with employers throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles area to find the right fit.
Once placed, participants are not left on their own. Job coaches provide on-site support, help navigate workplace culture, and gradually fade their presence as the individual grows into their role. Ours is a model that research consistently shows leads to better long-term employment outcomes.
For Employers
Hiring through The Roland Center's Supported Employment program is a genuine partnership. Employers gain dedicated, reliable employees and the ongoing support of our job coaching team at no cost. We work with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries, and we remain involved to ensure both the employee and the employer have what they need to succeed. Our participants bring commitment, enthusiasm, and real capabilities. We help employers see what's possible when they open their doors.
Vocational Training
For individuals who are earlier in their employment journey, our paid internship programs provide a foundation of workplace-ready skills. Participants develop the hard and soft skills needed for employment and are paid as they learn. Every participant is assigned a Case Manager who works with them to set goals, track progress, and build toward competitive, integrated employment.
Who We Serve
Supported Employment services are available to adults with IDD who are interested in pursuing employment. We work with individuals at all stages of career readiness- from those who have never held a job to those who need support maintaining or advancing in current employment.
