Nittany Employment Services

Nittany Employment Services (NES) provides vocational services to individuals with disabilities seeking competitive employment in the community.

Nittany Employment Services (NES)

The Arc of Centre County’s Nittany Employment Services is a program dedicated to serving workers with disabilities in Centre County. Historically, NES has always utilized a highly customized approach to the vocational process, which means that our efforts on behalf of those we serve are predicated upon their stated preferences and their particular strengths. Our goal is to match the unique capabilities of the job seeker with the unmet needs of the region’s employers. Highly personal and progressive strategies are used for successful employment planning in our support of each individual that has the desire to work.

NES is comprised of a dynamic team of Employment Specialists trained in the use of innovative employment strategies that can match your unique capabilities with a quality employer here in Centre County. Thanks largely impart to support provided by the Centre County United Way, our Employment Specialists receive supplemental training and/or certifications in the employment “best practices” to ensure the highest quality and most effective services are rendered. Our experienced team is ready to put their diverse and professional backgrounds to work for you today!

Career Discovery

Excitement surrounds NES’ new partnerships and innovative methods for service provisions. In 2013 we embarked on a journey to enhance person-centered approaches. The Arc believes that our Career Discovery program will be vital to the successful long-term employment of those we serve. Utilizing Discovery and other specialized modalities, when appropriate, The Arc provides an individualized road map to employment for those we serve.

“When Discovery is finished, a profile will be completed. The profile can be used by schools, vocational counselors, supported employment providers, etc. to assist the person to seek job which matches her/his interests, conditions for success and at which they can contribute to the work place in a meaningful way.” *as described by The Arc of Pennsylvania’s, Include Me from the Start, ADEPT Program

What is Discovery? Click here to learn more from Michael Callahan, Marc Gold and Associates.

We welcome you to contact us now for more information about our newest initiative, Career Discovery and begin to explore personal and diverse employment planning!

Traditional Person-Centered employment services are also provided by the NES team.

Supported Employment Services

Finding a job: The Employment Specialist works closely with the individual and their family to gather the information that will assist us in tailoring our services for that individual. This client specific approach determines the type and level of supports needed, and it increases our ability to target employment opportunities that mesh with the person’s skills and abilities. In turn, NES has found that the likelihood of successful long term employment for our individuals is greatly enhanced when job placements are made based on serious consideration of personal needs and qualifications.

Following along services: Once an individual is employed, NES provides job coaching services designed to assist them in learning the essential duties and responsibilities of their jobs. Typically, job coaching will continue for three months, at which point NES will then provide the person with follow along or maintenance services. These long-term supports are an essential component of job retention as they ensure that the individual continues to carry out the essential functions of the job, and that they are meeting the employer’s expectations.

Community Based Assessments: NES also provides Situational or Community Based Assessments to people who are referred to us by OVR and MH/ID, for an evaluation of their skills, abilities, and work preparedness. Often, these assessments are conducted for people who have never been employed or for those who wish to return to work following an extended absence. As with job development, the individual’s preferences play a major role in the selection of the job sites to be used for the evaluation. These assessments yield a wealth of valuable information that will be incorporated into any future job development activities.

Consultative Services: Consultative Services are provided by the Employment Coordinator and Employment Specialists to school districts, families/caregivers and employers on employment issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Diversity Awareness training, and Social Security Work Incentives as requested.

Employer List - 2025-2026

Bryce Jordan Center, Rockview Drivers License Photo Center, Easter Seals of Central/Western PA, Foxdale Retirement Village, McDonalds-Bellefonte, McDonalds-Milesburg, McDonalds-N Atherton, McDonalds-S Atherton, Penn State University OPP, State College Area School District, YMCA Centre County, Giant-Northland, Giant- S. Atherton, Redifer Commons-PSU, Pollock Commons-PSU, Juniper Village, Dollar General-Aaronsburg, UPS Store-Colonnade Way, The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Ross Dress For Less, Pattee/Paterno Library-PSU, Raising Cane’s, Wegmans, CHAMPS-N Atherton, Weis Markets-Martin St., Prospectors Mt. Nittany Rib Co., Gabe’s, Building Bridges Daycare, Walmart-Benner Pike, Celebration Villa, Sam’s Club, Macrosmith, Target-Colonnade Blvd, ABC Children’s Center, Fullington Trailways

Community-Based Work Assessment Sites-2025-2026

Applebee's, American Philatelic Center (American Philatelic Library), Best Buy, Centre County Government Offices, DiamondBack Truck Covers, Days Inn by Wyndham Penn State, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub (Origin Labs), The Faith Centre, GIANT, McDonald's, Michael's Arts and Crafts, Nittany Mall, Pollock Dining Commons, Penn State Bookstore, Quaker Steak & Lube, Centre County PA ReStore, Taproot Kitchen, The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Webster's Bookstore and Cafe

TAX INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT (WOTC)

For hiring individuals with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation program
Up to $2,400 or up to $9,600 for veterans with service-connected disabilities
Minimum of 120 hours in the first year

DISABLED ACCESS CREDIT (DAC)

Covers costs of accessibility improvements
Up to $5,000 Small businesses with 31M in revenue or fewer that 31 full time employees

BARRIER REMOVAL TAX DEDUCTION

Deduct up to $15,000 annually – for removing physical or transportation barriers.

ARCHITECTURAL BARRIER REMOVAL TAX DEDUCTION

Can be combined with the DAC

Learn more at

https://www.uschamber.com - Search: Employer Guide to Tax Credits for Hiring Employees with Disabilities

www.irs.gov - Search: Tax Benefits for businesses who have employees with disabilities

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Referrals for services are accepted from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and through the Centre County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention-Drug and Alcohol Program Office.

This program is funded in part by the Centre County United Way.