While receiving training, work activity or rehabilitation services at the center, you will be given real work to perform whenever available. You will receive a training incentive pay. It is not wages for services rendered. Your pay will depend on the type of job you do. In some jobs, you are paid for each piece or unit you complete. In other jobs, you are paid an hourly rate. Your pay depends on the amount of work you do. The better you do, the higher your pay. Your pay also depends on the quality of your work or how well you do. The better you do, the higher your pay.
Because you are in training, your pay may be less than the “minimum wage.” The center has a Special Minimum Wage Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor that allows Ventures to pay you less than the minimum wage. If you are paid less than the minimum wage, the certificate requires the center to pay you an amount that is “commensurate” with your ability. This means the center must base your pay on the type, quantity, and quality of work you do compared to workers without disabilities doing the same or similar work in industry.
Our U.S. Department of Labor Special Minimum Wage certificate is posted on a bulletin board.
This allows you to learn at your own rate and to increase your incentive pay as you improve quality and speed. All training incentives are based on a survey of the same type jobs within the local industry. The center surveys the local area at least annually for the prevailing rates paid for similar jobs. Your work and production are reviewed regularly. If you are paid an hourly rate, your rate is reviewed at least every six months and your rate adjusted up or down according to your progress, quantity and quality of work.
Remember:
- You are not paid for class time, recreation or therapy.
- You are not paid for time when you refuse to work or do not work.
- You are not paid for days you are absent.
- Your pay may go up or down according to the amount of work available, your speed, and your quality.
At times you may be assigned to work samples which are used for testing or training purposes. The center will receive no benefit from this work. You will not receive payment for this type assignment, and will be advised of this when you are assigned.
Paychecks are issued bi-weekly and are directly deposited into your choice of a savings or checking account.
