In today’s society, an individual’s identity is often tied
with the work they do. When meeting someone for the first time,
you are invariably asked about your employment. For this reason, a
major focus at Gateway House is on returning to work.
The
Transitional Employment Program, or TEP, gives members the
opportunity to work in real jobs in business and industry, not in
sheltered workshops or created jobs. For employers and employees,
TEP is an innovative program with a proven track record.
TEP jobs may be full- or part-time; however, two members
working part-time fill full-time TEP jobs. When a new TEP position
is awarded, a Gateway House staff person, called a “placement
manager” first learns the job. In turn, the placement manager
trains the participating members, then stays with the member for
as long as it takes him or her to become comfortable on the job.
The pay rate is set by the employer based on the prevailing wage
for that position. Throughout the job period, the placement
manager visits the job site regularly and accepts responsibility
for the job, filling in any time the member is unavailable. At the
end of a member’s placement, the placement manager trains a new
member for the position with no disruption of the work routine.
Each member’s transitional employment placement lasts
approximately six months. With each placement, members gain
experience, confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which, in
turn, strengthens their capacity for living a more productive
life.
The key to the program’s success, however, is
that TEP is as beneficial to the employer as it is to the
participating members. Gateway House guarantees that the job will
be performed to the employer’s satisfaction, with no
absenteeism, no additional training requirements, and no lowering
of job standards. Since 1988, nearly 1500 placement opportunities
have been provided to Gateway House members participating in
transitional employment.
“Gateway House staff and members always enter their work with
a sense of responsibility and pleasure not often found in today's
work force. My coworkers and I have received more than we have
given to the program and look forward to a continued partnership
with Gateway House."
Scott B. Wilbanks, Service and Supply Manager, Greenville
Technical College
