Topic outline

  • Course Description

    Employment Skills for Success is targeted to transition-age students with multiple disabilities who are involved in a variety of vocational experiences at Edgewood Education Center. Students will learn work habits, work skills, and safely on the job through real life experiences and instruction. 

    • Course Goals and Objectives:

      Students will be able to describe and demonstrate effective work habits, work skills, and safety on the job. 

      • 1. Importance of positive Attiude in Work and school

        • The importance of a positive attitude in getting hired, enjoying work, and being successful,
        • The meaning of job success- doing your job well, being part of a team, and enjoying your work ,
        • Thinking positively- everyone controls their own attitudes and behavior. Avoid negatives, look for positive options in work situations.
        • 2. Be There

          • The consequences of being late, missing work, or calling in sick as an excuse
          • Keeping your employer informed at all times
          • Meeting and exceeding your employers expectations 
          • 3. Keeping Your focus

            • Keeping your mind on the job 
            • Avoiding non-work talk or dealing with personal business at work
            •  Focusing on safely and efficiency at work 
            • 4. Doing Your Best

              •  Showing initiative in work situations
              • Always trying to improve knowledge and skills
              • Setting reasonable goals and working to meet them
              • 5. Accepting Guidance and Direction

                •  Following procedures and standard practices
                •  Asking for help, directions, or instructions
                •  Accepting advice and criticism
                • 6. Being Flexible

                  • Being willing to do ''extra''
                  • Being ready to step up and help when needed
                  • Knowing how to balance your own and other's needs
                  • 7. Staying Calm

                    • Controlling your emotions
                    • Making constructive suggestions
                    • Learning, practicing, and using good communication
                    • 8. Looking After Yourslf

                      • Being ready for work- sleep and exercise
                      • Avoiding abuse of alcohol and drugs
                      • Managing and reducing stress
                      • 9. Honesty

                        • Respecting employer's time and property
                        • Importance of completing work tasks
                        • Being honest with yourself and others
                        • 10. Positive Attitudes at Work

                          • Positive attitudes are noticed by others
                          • Positive attitudes lead to more interesting work and better jobs
                          • Positive attitudes create enjoyment and success
                          • 1. Service = Success

                            • Providing good service is an important skill For success
                            • Good service applies to customers, co- workers, and all other people at work
                            •  Providing good service ensures success and enjoyment at work 
                            • 2. Service Essentials

                              • Doing more than expected 
                              • Being prepared to put in extra effort 
                              • Treating others you would like to be treated 
                              • 3. Handling Difficult Situations

                                • Being Flexible and imaginative in solving problems
                                • Being helpful and courteous no matter how difficult
                                • Always doing what is best For the coustomer
                                • 4. Effective Communication

                                  • Thinking your ideas through before talking or acting 
                                  • Speaking clearly and sincerely
                                  • Listening carefully before explaining your point of view
                                  • 5. Dealing with Customers

                                    • Treating customers with respect, making eye contact, and dealing directly with concerns
                                    • Communicating information clearly, using Language in terms customers can understand
                                    • Always look For direct explanations 
                                    • 6. Professionalism

                                      • Always being on your best behavior
                                      • Always improving knowledge, skills, and work Performance
                                      • Treating every customer with understanding and respect 
                                      • 7. Satisfying the Customer's Needs

                                        • Paying attention to the customer and understanding their needs
                                        • Dealing with customers concerns and complaints
                                        • Learning to listen, observe, ask questions, and make suggestions 
                                        • 8. Key Points for Good Service

                                          • Always think about how to give the ''best'' service
                                          • Great service reflects on you, your co-workers, and your employer
                                          • Do more than is expected, communicate clearly, and always be professional