Vocational Services

Paula Teacher & Associates, Inc. is an organization that assists individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in securing employment within their community.

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We conduct a skill and interest assessment with each applicant and assist them in identifying the type of work they are most interested in and identify the skills necessary to perform that work.  We provide the potential employee with skills training and assist them in securing employment.

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Benefits for Employers

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• A dedicated employee who is ready, willing and able to work.

• An employee who will show up for work.

• An employee who is willing to learn.

• On the job support for the new employee and employer.

• On the job training.

• Guaranteed satisfaction with job performance.

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Vocational Specialists remain with the employee on the job until the employer is satisfied with the work quality and production level of the newly hired employee.  Job support is also able to return in the event job duties change or performance issues occur, in order to return to maximum job performance.

Day Works Adult Training Facility

A New Experience for Attaining Independence! Breaking the Mold for Adult Training Facilities. 

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Our mission is to work with participants to achieve greater independence in all aspects of daily living.

This state-licensed Chapter 2380 program is located at our Greensburg facility.  This program is licensed for approximately 25 individuals.  

Some of the focuses of The Day Works program: 

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• Daily living

• Health & well-being

• Computer / iPad skills

• Socialization skills

• Recreational skills

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The goal-based learning activities are personalized to individual skills, likes, and needs.

This inviting, at-home atmosphere creates a positive environment that enriches their overall experience.

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In addition, individuals can also participate in our Community Participation Supports program, which allows them to explore their community, volunteer at local organizations, and work on social, leisure, and money skills.

Creative Production Center

We offer a state-licensed Chapter 2390 program at our Greensburg facility that supports approximately 60 individuals. The program was designed to help participants learn the skills necessary to obtain competitive employment. The individuals in this program have "contract work" and are paid for a portion of their day.  The primary contract is making and selling greeting cards using rubber stamps and decorating techniques.  They are provided opportunities for not only generating the cards but designing and marketing the product. Other work opportunities include Clerical, Computer knowledge, and Custodial Services. The individuals can also participate in our Community Participation Supports program where they have can explore their community, volunteer at local organizations, and work on social, leisure, and money skills. Multiple staff members work together to ensure that all individual needs are met.  This program requires staff to comply with both the ODP regulations as well as state licensing regulations.

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Educational Skills:

Job Applications/Mock Interviews

Job Task Analysis

Proper Conduct at work

Socialization Skills

Sign Language

Money Management

Healthy Choices

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Home and Community Habilitation

Home and Community services are provided to individuals who either live independently in their own apartments or who live with family members.  This service requires staff to transport individuals into the community.  The focus of the service is to teach individuals skills as outlined in their individual support plan.  There are many different areas that may be addressed including but not limited to:

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• Daily living skills

• Cooking

• Cleaning

• Hygiene and grooming

• Budgeting

• Sorting mail

• Community integration

• Shopping

• Volunteering

• Health & safety

• Exercise

• Meal planning

• Community safety skills

• Scheduling & attending Doctor appointments

• Socialization skills

• Communication skills

Intensive Behavioral Health Services

Paula Teacher & Associates, Inc. is a licensed Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) Applied Behavior Analysis provider.  Services are similar to the former Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) with the emphasis on utilizing ABA techniques.  We offer services in both Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties funded by Community Care Behavioral Health and Beacon Health Options and/or private insurance if Act 62 eligible.  Services must be authorized by a managed care organization.  IBHS is intensive in nature and often involves in-home support multiple sessions per week with the client and parent or caregiver.  Services may also be authorized for settings such as school or daycare depending on the specific needs of the child.

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Applied Behavior Analysis

​Our organization specializes in the provision of Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA.     Our services consist of well-structured behavioral programs utilizing an individualized approach to treatment.  Behavior programs incorporate family and caregiver training to teach those close to the individual how to support and sustain the new socially significant skills. IBHS-ABA consists of the following staff/services:

Behavior Analyst

​Our Behavior Analysts have extensive training and hands-on experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and have a current BCBA certification. Behavior Analysts conduct a full spectrum of behavioral assessments based on what is most appropriate for each person. They work alongside our families to identify and customize goals for each child using evidenced-based interventions and family values-based approaches. Individualized treatment plans and programs are developed to promote skill acquisition. Our Behavior Analysts work closely with the Clinical Director and Behavior Health Technician along with family members and caregivers during the implementation of the plan. Data is collected during each therapy session and progress is evaluated on an ongoing basis.

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Behavior Consultant- Applied Behavior Analysis (BC-ABA)

​Our Behavior Consultants (formerly known as BSC) have experience and training in Applied Behavior Analysis.  They customize programs to each learner's skills, needs, interests, preferences, and family situation. A detailed assessment of each person’s skills and preferences is conducted.

The individual treatment plan breaks down each of these skills into small, concrete steps. The BC-ABA is responsible for teaching the Behavior Health Technician (BHT-ABA) how to implement the plan to teach relevant skills while decreasing maladaptive behaviors. Progress is measured by collecting and assessing data in each therapy session.

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Behavior Health Technician- Applied Behavior Analysis (BHT-ABA)

​Our BHT-ABA is the direct staff (formerly known as TSS) who works one-on-one with the child.  Our staff are scheduled to work at the convenience of the child and family and during times when instruction is most needed.  The BHT-ABA teaches each step of the skill as designed in the program.   They work with the child on acquiring, developing, and increasing social engagement and independent living skills, and increasing interaction in community and home settings. The BHT collects data on goals identified in the Individual Treatment Plan to measure progress and fine-tune programming.