Apply to become a Krew Member
Apply to become a Krew Member
Ken's Krew, currently operates in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Please note: We’re GROWING and, true to our logo, going green, so we are no longer accepting paper applications. Thanks for your understanding!
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Eligibility Requirements
The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Successful completion of diploma/certificate program, and/or transition work program/prior work experience.
- Be diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability (with documentation).
- Seizure-free for one year.
- Have a desire and ability to work independently.
- Have an existing support system.
- If required by the employer, submit to drug testing to the extent permitted under federal, state and local law.
- Be responsible for transportation to and from the workplace.
- Adhere to employer dress code and grooming standards.
- Ability to communicate with co-workers and customers.
- Time recognition awareness (time punches, breaks, task management)
- Adhere to employer policies & procedures (including all safety standards)
Additional Considerations
Employability
The applicant must:
- Be able to listen to and follow directions.
- Be able to work at a task until completion.
- The ability to function independently in the workplace.
- Possess basic problem-solving skills.
- Be able to articulate and advocate for oneself.
- To work independently in an integrative and competitive employment situation.
Physical
The applicant must:
- Have the stamina to work at least four hours a day.
- Be able to stand for the duration of the work period.
- Have the strength to lift or carry, if required for the position.
- Be willing to disclose physical and medical conditions to Ken’s Krew, Inc. and to the prospective employer to the extent permitted under federal, state and local law.
- Provide statements declaring any material physical impediments from the candidate’s medical providers and family/guardians to the extent permitted under federal, state and local law.
Social and Behavioral
The applicant is required to:
- Have appropriate personal hygiene and general cleanliness.
- Interact appropriately and respectfully with others, i.e., vocational coordinator, supervisors, co-workers, and customers.
- Accept direction and supervision, including constructive feedback.
- Demonstrate workplace appropriate social skills.
- Exhibit a positive attitude and good work ethic.
- Self-awareness of disability.
The applicant’s eligibility is based on educator/transition coordinator evaluations, applicant interview/observation, parent/guardian meeting, and onsite employment assessment.
Final review and acceptance of the applicant will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
Prevocational Skills
Applicants are carefully screened to meet the requirements for integrated and competitive employment. Applicants to Ken’s Krew, Inc. should possess the skills listed below. During the training period Ken’s Krew Vocational Coordinators will teach specific job skills.
Strong Work Ethic - The applicant must exhibit a strong desire to work and the goal / attitude to do the best job possible. This is the foundation for successful work.
Personal Hygiene - The applicant must look clean, and appear well groomed (i.e., hair combed, teeth brushed, clothes clean and neat, etc.) and with work ready attire.
Communication Skills - The applicant must have the ability to communicate with customers and coworkers. All of our employers serve the public.
Technology Skills - The applicant must have the ability to learn basic computer procedures, such as, navigating applications, emails and video training, that will be necessary for providing customer service and accessing store information.
Time Management Skills - The applicant must have the ability to recognize time for following job tasks, taking breaks, and clocking in and out.
Safety Skills - The applicant must be aware of personal and general safety skills. A fire evacuation plan will need to be memorized.
Policy and Procedure Skills - The applicant will be expected to follow all store policies and procedures, which include requesting time off, vacations, sick leave, and store rules regarding dress, behavior, etc. Applicants are subjects to all employer disciplinary actions, which could lead to termination.
Problem Solving Skills - The applicant must be able to recognize when they have a problem and be willing to ask for help from a co-worker or manager.
Ken’s Krew Best Practices:
Same Pay, Same Job:
Employees with disabilities will be paid the hourly or salaried wage associated with the job they are hired to do.
Same Standards:
Employees with disabilities will be held to the same high standards as all non-disabled employees.
Side-by-Side Work:
Employees with disabilities will work side-by-side with non-disabled employees, creating an inclusive work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions for Krew Member Applications
What is Ken’s Krew?
Ken’s Krew is a not-for-profit job placement and training organization founded by parents of young adults with disabilities. Every individual deserves the opportunity to enter the workforce, earn a fair wage, and reach their full potential.
Can anyone apply to Ken’s Krew?
Applicants must be diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disability and should have the skills necessary to enter independent competitive employment.
What services do you provide?
Ken’s Krew assesses applicants for job compatibility with our employment partners. Applicants fitting the criteria to fill available jobs are accepted as Krew Members and assisted with job placement, training, and retention services.
What jobs are available through your program?
Positions are customer-service based in a retail environment.
Are the positions full-time employment with benefits?
No. Positions are part-time. Typically, positions are up to 20 hours per week and do not include employer-provided benefits. Krew Members receiving benefits such as SSI and SSDI, etc, who need to work less than 20 hours/week, are typically accommodated with 12-15 hours/week.
Do Krew Members receive sub-minimum wage compensation?
“No. Krew Members are valuable employees who are placed in positions of competitive employment at the regional starting rate of pay for the position in which they are placed.
I have concerns about safety. Can you tell me a little more about what the jobs require?
Applicants should have the physical stamina to work a minimum shift of 4 hours independently, the strength to lift, carry, and move items, and the ability to work safely in a retail environment.
Do you provide any transportation assistance or coordination?
No. Krew Members must provide or arrange their own transportation.
How old does a candidate need to be to apply for the Ken’s Krew program?
Applicants must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years old. Many individuals apply after completing school transition-to-work programs.
My candidate is over the age of 18 and is their own guardian. Why must a separate parent/guardian be involved in the application process?
Ken’s Krew has found that the length of employment for successful Krew Members directly corelates with the full support system that is in place. It is critical to have support outside of Ken’s Krew and work to continue to reinforce outstanding workplace behavior.
My candidate is not a recent graduate of high school and has not attended vocational training, however, was already working for several years and has recently become unemployed. Can you help?
Yes. An applicant with job experience, needing assistance with job placement and training, may apply provided that their recent unemployment status is not from a partner employer of Ken’s Krew and was not the result of a termination for violating employer policies and procedures.
What happens once a Krew Member is placed in employment?
Once placed in employment, Ken’s Krew provides a minimum of 72 hours of intensive on-site job training. Upon completion of training, Krew Members must be able to work independently. Ken’s Krew provides on-going job retention services via site visits on a routine basis. Krew Members also have the opportunity to attend monthly Krew meetings and other trainings for continued professional development.
My candidate would require more than 6-8 weeks of training and/or would like a job coach to be with them on a continual basis. Should we apply to Ken’s Krew?
No. Applicants to Ken’s Krew are assessed for independence in integrative competitive employment situations. Upon completion of training, Krew Members must have the ability to work independently.
What happens if a Krew Member needs job-related assistance?
Your Ken’s Krew Vocational Coordinator takes the lead for all job-related interactions with the employer and employee. We provide re-training when needed, train for new roles, advocate for the rights of the worker, provide representation at meetings, and handle resignations if appropriate.
Where are you located?
We’re in 10 states. Click here for the list of states and counties where we currently operate.
Please contact us to discuss applying if you reside in an area that is currently on pause.
If you reside on the fringe of a listed service area and would like to apply, please contact us to see if you would have access to our program within a reasonable distance from your home.
Is there a fee for your services?
KKI provides equal access to programs and service to support individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities regardless of the ability to pay for the services. We do rely on the support of our community to maintain and grow our programs. It is an expectation of Krew Member Caregivers to support our work by utilizing resources available to them to sustain our mission. Annual Caregiver contributions can be made as a one-time annual donation or can be set up as monthly or quarterly to best suit the family’s needs. Caregiver contributions can be made here: 2024 Caregiver Giving Campaign (givebutter.com)
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