Programs & Services for Employers

Assess/Train New Employees at No Cost

The REES Hiring Incentive Project was designed to connect unemployed participants with physical disabilities and/or health conditions with on-the-job training that could potentially lead to continuing employment. REES assists employers in hiring qualified people with physical disabilities and/or health conditions.

This project will pay for a time-limited period (maximum of 80 hours) of on-the-job training and assessment. If job performance is satisfactory, the employer agrees to provide ongoing employment. Wages during the training period, as well as Workers Compensation coverage, are provided by the RHIP Project.

Minimal Paperwork Needed

For RHIP Assessment Placement employers complete an evaluation form regarding job performance upon conclusion of the 80 hours.  The purpose of this is to determine the individual’s ability to perform the required job duties or identify possible workplace accommodations.

REES Hiring Incentive Project Benefits:

• Up to a maximum of 80 hours of paid wages are covered through REES
• This assessment time lets you train at no cost 
• Ongoing support as needed
• Workers Compensation covered by REES 
• Participants gain valuable work experience and assess workplace accommodation needs
• Employers gain disability awareness training 

Financial Assistance

The goal for the RHIP Job-Oriented Placement is that the employer continues to provide ongoing employment when the program ends, assuming that the employee performs satisfactorily during assessment period. During initial assessment placement, participants will be employees of REES and are covered under REES Workers Compensation.

Program Eligibility

For employers, this project is open to for-profit and non-profit employers and municipal governments. Eligible participants include people with physical disabilities and/or health conditions who are registered with Reaching E-Quality Employment Services. Special emphasis will be placed on job seekers who are Immigrants, Indigenous or mature workers (50 years of age and older).

A Simple Process with HUGE Benefits

The REES Internship Project (RINT) connects persons with physical disabilities and/or health conditions with employers for an opportunity to secure employment, through a Targeted Wage Subsidy.  REES provides employers with the opportunity to acquire pre-screened, ready-to- work participants. 

Short-term Plan with Long-term Vision

Efforts will be made by the employer to facilitate the movement of participants into continued paid employment following the successful completion of the Targeted Wage Subsidy. The goal, after the Wage Subsidy is completed, is to have RINT participants continue with the employer. All participants will have gained new skills and references that will be beneficial for pursuing employment elsewhere.

Highlights:

• Provide pre-screened, job ready, individuals with physical disabilities and/or health conditions, for a maximum of 12 weeks of Targeted Wage Subsidy at host companies.  The overarching goal is that this will result in continued employment.
• REES offers ongoing support to help ensure sustainable employment. 
• The Targeted Wage Subsidy is paid to your business for directly hiring an individual, and helps compensate for on-the-job training and/or accommodations.  The employer pays the standard company rate for any position filled.  REES will reimburse the company up to the equivalent of the Manitoba Minimum Wage rate.  Please note that there are some expenses that are the responsibility of the employer.
• There is a minimum requirement of 20 hours per week - to a maximum of 30 hours per week for 12 weeks.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion.  Access REES resources and knowledge regarding accessibility and accommodation.
• To encourage employers to assume a leadership role in developing and solidifying this innovative model. 
• At any point during this period, the host employer may elect to pay the full wages of the participant, without re-imbursement from REES. 
• Minimal paperwork required by the host employer

Duration and Financial Assistance:

Participants involved in the Targeted Wage Subsidy will be employed and paid by the host employer, at the standard company rate for that position. REES will reimburse the host company at a rate equivalent to the Manitoba minimum wage rate. Interns work for a minimum of 15 hours to a maximum of 30 hours per week for a set duration. Funding is provided by Employment and Social Development Canada, The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, and is administered by REES.

Eligibility:

• Participants with physical disabilities and or health conditions
• Participants that are not presently in receipt of Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits 9
• Participants that have not established an E.I. claim in the last 36 months

Kick-start Your Career

The REES Co-op Project helps people with physical disabilities and/or health conditions kick-start their employment using a wage-subsidy or paid internship for up to 6 months. We offer pre-employment and ongoing training/workshops to help participants gain experience, and a current work reference.

Change the Course of Your Life

The goal is to match job seekers, who qualify for the program, with subsidized employment opportunities that will generate financial sustainable independence. REES can help develop a list of references, meet new people, learn and utilize valuable new skills, and increase both overall life satisfaction and confidence. 

Long-term Employment

Once the Co-op Placement is completed, participants may be hired directly by the employer. Equipped with new skills, experiences and references, participants may also choose to pursue sustainable employment opportunities beyond their work placement.

Duration

Participants selected, and subsequently placed with an employer through the Co-op project will receive internship wages for a maximum of 37.5 hours per week for up to 6 months. This will be administered through REES. 

Benefits Include:

• Minimal paperwork required
• REES covers WCB and MERC's
• Ongoing support (as required) by both the participant and the employer 
• Assistance to access funding to cover some certifications, transportation costs and other miscellaneous costs upon approval of the Program Coordinator.
• Flexible start dates

Helping You Become a Workplace Leader

REES Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services has partnered with Sphere Quebec, a federal funding organization, to provide wage subsidies to Employers to ensure long-term gain in employment. To help create a culture of accessibility, our team can also present on Deaf Culture Awareness and How to Create a Deaf Friendly Workplace.

Our Goal is Long-Term Employee Success

Research has shown that individuals with a disability who are being supported in their workplace for 1 or 2 years will sustain their employment for the long-term. This is why we are proud to offer the services of our Deaf Services Marketing Counsellor who makes periodic visits with both employers and employees. This ensures that all needs are met within the working environment through proper accommodations and support.  

Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Include:

• Referrals of the right candidates for the job
• Interpreters for interviews and on-the-job training 
• Provide staff with basic ASL instruction and information on Deaf Culture 
• Support to employers in enhancing communication between Deaf and Hearing Staff  

If none of the previous programs meet the needs of your organization, please contact REES.  We would be happy to work with you to complete a needs assessment to ensure that we are providing you with a customized solution.