Mentored-Employment Program

We provide on-site employment and volunteer opportunities for individuals with special needs after high school graduation in order to help them build job skills and confidently enter the workforce. Each employee is paired with a job mentor that provides them with one-on-one support and supervision while promoting independence.

Group of five people standing outdoors in front of trees, wearing bright green clothing, smiling and giving thumbs up.
Two men working together on a wooden gate outside a beige building with a brown roof under a blue sky. One man wearing glasses, a plaid shirt, and a green and white hat, is smiling and looking down while the other man, wearing glasses, a plaid shirt, and an orange hat, is working on the gate with tools.

Job mentors assist employees and help them develop skills for employment and independence.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must be 18 or older

  • Complete all forms below

  • Complete orientation and safety training

  • Tolerates hot and cold working conditions

  • Team player with a positive attitude

  • Detail-oriented

  • Able to stay on their feet for a sustained period of time during the work shift with periodic breaks

  • Patience with people who have physical and mental disabilities

  • Complete the steps below

Steps to Become a Mentored Employment Mentor

  • Click here for application.

  • You must complete a background check if you are 16 or older. You can also send us a copy to info@blueskyacres.org if you have completed one within the last six months.

    Once a basic volunteer application has been submitted you will receive an email from Backgroundchecks.com to complete the check. BSA covers the cost of this.

  • We are requiring mandated reporter training for all of our volunteers 16 and older. This training is also required by volunteers in our local school system and is free to participate in. The training will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.

    1. Visit Pro Solutions Training.

    2. On the Mandated Reporters pop up menu, click Add to Cart.

    3. On the top right of the page, click on the cart icon (There should be a one beside it).

    4. Click the blue “Purchase Now” tab.

    5. Type in personal information to Create Account.

    6. Click on blue Complete Order tab.

    7. Click on Continue to start the course.

    Once you have completed the course and received your certificate via email, please send that certificate to info@blueskyacres.org.

  • Please complete the Mentor Application found here.

  • Once you have completed the above steps, we will set up a time to orient you to the shop prior to coming for your first shift.

  • You will spend a work day shadowing another mentor prior to being paired with an employee.

  • Mentors should attend the following classes offered by BSA throughout the year:

    • Disability Training Etiquette

    • Basic First Aid, CPR and AED