Independent living skills incorporate 3 key components: Life Skills, Social Skills and Career Support.
These skills are important tools that are needed to successfully navigate the world. Moving out on your own for the first time can be very daunting for anyone. There are a whole new set of skills that you will need to learn to make this transition manageable. Those with a disability are at a higher risk of having trouble in independent living, job attainment and job retention. The types of supports that are linked to greater success are those that involve working closely with adults with disabilities on daily living skills.
Independent Living Skills includes guidance in the establishment of individualized goals focused around executive functioning and independence. Support in essential daily skills can include: scheduling and follow through of weekly responsibilities and standing appointments, making and following through with other appointments (i.e., doctor), budgeting and bill paying, cleaning and meal preparation, navigating interpersonal/roommate relationships, assistance in planning, organizing, and scheduling individual or small group social/recreational activities, and hygiene and self-care.
Social skills support assesses your strengths and weaknesses in self-presentation, self-assessment, social judgment, and communication. Based on individual needs, I provide targeted assistance and training in developing the skills and habits which clients need to thrive in various social settings. Social skills training is catered to relationships in dating, friendships, colleagues, and/or classmates.
Career support can help you decide what skills you have, and how to use those skills to find a job that is right for you.
At Psychology Support Center, I can help you assess your skills and determine which career path is best for you. Some of the services include:
Skills and Interests Assessments
- Discovery of employment options through interests’ surveys and coaching
- Identifying employment barriers through skills assessments
Self-Advocacy and Self-Awareness
- Assists individuals with understanding their disability and what accommodations they need
- Learning when is an appropriate time to disclose your disability
Career Exploration
- Discovery of careers and skills needed
- Tours and volunteer work available to explore career areas
Job-readiness Skills Training
- Letter and resume writing
- Interviewing techniques
- Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
- Social conduct at work
- Personal organization
- Time management
Job Search and Retention
- Job search assistance
- Job application assistance
- Interviewing preparation
- On- and off-site job-related counseling
- Supervisor/coworker relationships
