WAGES 2024 Information
- Dates: June 16 - July 26, 2024 (staff training June 14)
- Location: University of Nebraska Lincoln + Various job sites
- Contact email: wagesnebraska@gmail.com
- Contact phone or text: (402) 302-1222
Information for Staff
We have filled all positions for 2024. Please email us if you are interested in being notified of opportunities for 2025 and beyond.
Information for Employers
We are excited to work with employers of all sizes to provide job opportunities for teenagers who are blind or low vision. Summer interns will be paid by the program, so there is no financial cost to the employer.
For more information, please email wagesnebraska@gmail.com
Thank you for your interest in being a part of the 2024 WAGES program.
ABOUT WAGES
Work and Gain Experience in the Summer (WAGES) is a program of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. WAGES is a six-week immersive employment experience for high school students 15 years and older who are blind and low vision held from June 16-July 26, 2024. During the program students live in a dormitory setting on the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus and work a full-time job. In addition to gaining valuable work experience, students have the opportunity to improve their blindness and independent living skills and gain self-confidence. When not working, students participate in a variety of challenge recreation activities and blindness philosophy discussions and activities. During the program, students will have the opportunity to attend the National Federation of the blind National Convention in Orlando, Fl from July 3-8.
About JB&K Services
JB&K Services is a disabled owned, woman owned, small business contracted by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for the management of the WAGES program. JB&K Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type.
Job Descriptions
Student Supervisor
We are seeking highly energetic and service-oriented staff to supervise WAGES participants during evening, weekend, and overnight hours. The primary goals of the student supervisor are to oversee the safety and well-being of all program participants, serve as a positive role model, reinforce a positive philosophy of blindness, encourage the use of blindness skills and non-visual techniques, and foster atmosphere of fun and comradery. We will provide training if you have not worked with blind or low vision individuals before.
Specific Responsibilities
- Participate in 1-day staff training, held on June 14, 2024
- Monitor the whereabouts and safety of WAGES participants at all times.
- Ensure students arrive at meals, challenge recreation activities, and work on time and in appropriate attire.
- Encourage participation in all challenge recreation and blindness philosophy programs and activities
- Assist students in understanding and utilizing appropriate alternative techniques of blindness including cane travel, use of assistive technology, use of Braille, and use of a human reader to effectively complete daily tasks.
- Serve as positive role models for students including role modeling appropriate nonvisual techniques and a positive philosophy of blindness where appropriate.
- Facilitate participant engagement in age-appropriate activities and social interactions of choice during participant free time
- Evaluate and report needs related to adjustment of blindness including blindness skills training and positive philosophy of blindness
- Write daily reports to share pertinent information about students with other program staff
- Work with Program Coordinators to develop and lead challenge recreation and blindness philosophy program/activities as assigned
- Be aware of the health-related needs of each participant
- Ensure all program rules and safety protocols are followed at all times
- Report inappropriate behavior immediately to the program coordinators
- Other duties as assigned by the program coordinators
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Eligible to Work in the United States
- Priority given to applicants from Nebraska
- Ability to pass a background check
Available Shifts
- 3:30 PM-11:00PM Monday-Friday
- 10:30PM-8:00AM Monday-Thursday
- 7:30 AM-10:30PM Saturday-Sunday
- 10:30PM-8:00AM Friday-Sunday
Hourly rate: $20.20 days, $18.30 overnight
Schedules may vary during special events including special challenge recreation activities and the National Federation of the Blind National Convention July 2-9, 2024.
Job Coach
We are seeking highly energetic and service-oriented staff to provide on the job assistance and instruction to WAGES participants. Job coaches generally work Monday-Friday 7:30-5:00, however this schedule may vary slightly depending on the assigned participants actual job and travel related needs. The primary goals of the job coach are to assist the program participant in learning, accommodating, and performing assigned work duties so that the program participant and the employer have a positive and successful experience working with the WAGES program.
Specific Responsibilities
- Participate in all staff training, held on June 14, 2024
- Provide supervision, guidance, and structure for the WAGES participant throughout the work day.
- Assist program participants in learning job related duties
- Assist program participants in performing job related duties as independently as possible. This could include reminders to stay on task, assistance with certain tasks, and checking to ensure tasks are completed correctly,
- Work with program participant on appropriate job related interpersonal skills
- Assist students in understanding and utilizing appropriate alternative techniques of blindness including cane travel, use of assistive technology, use of Braille, and use of a human reader to effectively complete job related tasks.
- Serve as positive role models for students including role modeling appropriate nonvisual techniques and a positive philosophy of blindness where appropriate.
- Evaluate and report needs related to adjustment of blindness including blindness skills training and positive philosophy of blindness
- Write daily reports to share pertinent information about students with the program coordinators.
- Be aware of the health-related needs of each participant
- Ensure all program rules and safety protocols are followed at all times
- Report inappropriate behavior immediately to the program coordinators
- Other duties as assigned by the program coordinators
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Eligible to Work in the United States
- Priority given to applicants from Nebraska
- Ability to pass a background check
Hourly rate: $20.20
The 2024 WAGES program is managed by JB&K Services for the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.