Needs and Dreams Board

Employment Opportunities
 


Employment Preparedness

People choose from a variety of opportunities during the day.  Some choose to work at the agency in training opportunities that prepare them to find competitive employment in the community.  Others utilize employment services to support their current or aid in the search for employment.  Still others utilize the support to explore interests and dreams. People with disabilities are provided the following opportunities at South Dakota Achieve:

  • Employment training while doing real work

  • Training & understanding of the workday, breaks, and respect for others

  • Feedback on job performance

  • Pay for work completed while learning work skills

  • Training for catering, baking and food preparation services, custodial and maintenance services, clerical, data entry, and pre-sort mail services
     

On-Site Employment (Education & Training)

People choose from a variety of opportunities during the day.  Some choose to work at the agency in training opportunities that prepare them to find competitive employment in the community.  Others utilize employment services to support their current or aid in the search for employment.  Still others utilize the support to explore interests and dreams. People with disabilities are provided the following opportunities at South Dakota Achieve:

  • Provides opportunity for work training while doing real work

  • Feedback on their performance

  • Pay for work completed
     

Employment throughout the Community

People learn the skills needed to work at business sites throughout the community.  Some examples of employment sites include the Federal Building, Good Samaritan Services Administrative Headquarters, various restaurants, retail stores, and parts supply houses.  Currently, over 160 businesses have employment partnerships with ACHIEVE.  Approximately 60 people are employed in area businesses.
 


Training/Skills Development

People we serve are able to select from numerous training and classroom opportunities offered by ACHIEVE,  and Communication Services for the Deaf.  People supported are able to participate in the following courses:
 

Cooking and Cleaning

Communication

Reading Effectiveness

Developing Hobbies

Buying Groceries

Shopping for Clothes

Developing Workability Skills

 Enjoying Entertainment

Money Management

Social Skills

Fitness and Wellness

Job/Career Exploration

Sign Language

Using Public Transportation

Using the Computer

 Current Events Involvement

Additional Computer Skills Training

Fitness and Wellness Classes in the Community

Community Stewardship and Involvement

Involvement in Higher Education

Advanced Independent Living Skills

 

 

 

 

Meet the Coordinators of Support Services for
 Day Services, Supported Living & Employment

 

Coordinators of Support Services at South Dakota Achieve provide direction, support and training to staff to ensure quality services. They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. They are committed to finding innovative ways for people to achieve their dreams.

 

Pat Derrick    (CSS for  -  Rushmore  &  Asst. Production Manager)

I have truly enjoyed working at South Dakota Achieve for 10 years as a Coordinator of Support Services and Assistant Production Manager. I currently work at the Cliff Avenue location, supervising people working in the Rushmore Room, Woodshop and Truck Driver positions. I serve on the newly formed Workforce Committee and the Safety Committee as the Industrial Services representative. Prior to my employment opportunity with South Dakota Achieve, I worked for Jim Walter Windows in Sioux Falls for 26 years as the Production Supervisor. In my free time, I show Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs and judge horse shows all over the country. I am married and have one son.

Office phone: (605) 274-1340  
Email:
patrick.derrick@achievesd.org

 

Heather Maas  (CSS for - Hot Springs, Inspirations & Journey)

I began my career at Achieve after my husband and I moved to Sioux Falls in 2003.  I started out as a Support Professional in day services until I moved to my current position in 2007.  Prior to working at Achieve, I worked at a similar agency in Aberdeen SD.  I was raised in North Dakota and attended school in Aberdeen at Northern State University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in sociology/human services.  In my spare time I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. 

Office phone: (605) 274-1202   
Email:
heather.maas@achievesd.org 

 

Kim Marcucci  (CSS for - Supported Living/Employment & Palisades)

I have been with SD Achieve for 6 years, beginning as a Support Professional and then as a Coordinator of Support Services for our Residential department. I am currently a Coordinator of Support Services for our Supported Living and Employment Service programs, as well as Palisades. I enjoy being part of a program that helps people develop their independence in their home and working lives. I am on the Workforce Committee and am a certified instructor for the Crisis Prevention Institute. I have a bachelor’s degree in business.

Office phone: (605) 274-1279   
Email:
kim.marcucci@achievesd.org 

 

Beth Sutton    (CSS for  -  Capitol Room & Achievement)

I started as a Support Professional in Day Services in 1989 and become a Residential Coordinator of Support Services at Mariana in 1991.  In 2002, I transferred back to Day Services as the CSS for the Capitol Room.  I have an Associates Degree in Social Work from Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. I have sat on many agency committees over the years.  Currently, I am a member of the Personal Outcomes, Well-Being, Human Rights, Pancake Benefit  and Enhancing our Culture Committees. I enjoy being part of the continual changes that occur at Achieve and mentoring staff to carry out our mission.  I am married and have three grown step-children.  Days away from work include fishing, gardening and enjoying visits with our family and friends.

Office phone: (605) 274-1390  
Email:
beth.sutton@achievesd.org