THE CAREER EXPLORATION WORKSHOP

The workshop assists consumers in identifying transferable skills; work values, strengths, personal and work barriers. This work shop also covers benefit related concerns and informs consumers of their rights under ADA.

WORK EVALUATION

The primary purpose of Work Evaluation is to provide data to determine the functional limitations and abilities of the consumer. This objective is accomplished through the provision of a comprehensive evaluation which includes observational/functional evaluations of the participant. Psycho-social and vocational testing is conducted. Tests administered may also include hands-on work samples, interest, values and abilities testing. When appropriate, the Work Evaluation will also include the gathering of relevant medical, educational and psycho-social information.

ACADEMIC EVALUATION

This two day diagnostic service is designed for consumers who are interested in competitive employment, and is designed to assist the Counselors in determining the consumer's potential for success in an educational or university setting. The assessment includes testing which focuses on reading, writing, mathematic aptitudes, concentration, memory, ability to follow directions, and frustration tolerance.

COMMUNITY-BASED VOCATIONAL EVALUATION

This diagnostic service package provides the “best of two worlds.” The consumer participates in a time limited, structured assessment process gathering relevant psychological, medical, social and vocational information. Career exploration will also be part of the experience. The structured assessment is then followed by an individualized community based situational assessment.

COMMUNITY-BASED VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

This diagnostic service places a consumer at geographically convenient, community-based volunteer work sites for one or two week situational assessments. During this time, with the assistance of the employer, a participant's work habits, skills, attitudes, interests and tolerances are observed. Vocational Assessment Specialists review an extensive list of developed sites with the consumer and Rehabilitation Counselor from which the consumer may choose, or a specific work site may be developed tailored to the consumer’s interests and abilities.

COMMUNITY-BASED WORK ADJUSTMENT

The primary purpose of this service is to provide consumers with the opportunity to gain real, volunteer work experience within an employer's place of business. This exposure is intended to improve the work skills and stamina of the participants so that they can progress into competitive employment.

JOB SEEKING SKILLS TRAINING (JSST)

This service prepares participants to perform an organized independent job search or actively participate in assisted job placement to obtain competitive employment. This service is consumer-directed and is therefore provided in a group setting or and/or on an individual basis, depending on individual needs and preferences. The core service is a structured curriculum of preparedness activities which targets each participant's strengths and deficits for more intensive training. The service can also assist the Employment Specialist in evaluating the participant's overall job readiness. JSST offers the Employment Specialist the opportunity to make significant recommendations about the participant's unique abilities or needs in the job placement process. JSST may also identify further training or counseling requirements before the participant begins an actual job search. As needed, the Employment Specialist provides ongoing coordination with and recommendations to primary treatment providers.

JOB PLACEMENT

The primary purpose of this service is to assist the participant to obtain competitive employment in an occupational area which reflects his/her stated interests, strengths, and abilities. Job Placement Services are individualized and consumer directed. Participants work as partners in the job search, which individualizes the job search process while increasing the participant's job seeking skills and independence. Placement services include job development and job search activities. The Employment Alliance is designed to maximize the collaborative nature of these activities. Employment Specialists create employment opportunities, educate employers about mental illness, advocate for participants and develop and maintain positive relationships with community employers. The particular jobs developed are determined by participants’ needs and employment goals.

RETENTION

Staff actively engages the consumer and the employer to ensure that the job is to both parties' satisfaction. The goal of the Retention Service is to prevent potential problems which could jeopardize employment.

JOB COACHING

The primary purpose of Job Coaching is to provide newly employed clients those support services necessary to ensure retention of their employment. Specific services may include: individual instruction in tasks; task analysis leading to job modification or employer accommodations; evaluation of and feedback on work performance; moral support and encouragement; work related advocacy; instruction in related skills; transportation or travel training as needed; reporting and monitoring of entitlements.

TRAVEL TRAINING

The goal of Travel Training is to ensure that individuals seeking employment have the means and skills to travel to and from their job. In Travel Training, the consumer's transportation options are assessed. As needed, those who can drive and have a car are trained on how to drive to and from the job. Those who utilize public transportation are educated, as needed, on proper routes to take, accompanied on the bus or transit to and from the job, with the eventual goal of the person's being able to get himself/herself consistently to the job. Budgeting of transportation fees may also be covered.

BENEFITS CONSULTATION

Benefits Specialists provide targeted assistance to consumers during any phase of their vocational rehabilitation, assisting consumers to become familiar with Social Security and Medicaid rules and requirements, and to understand the impact of work on entitlement benefits they receive, including Medicaid spend down. Benefits consultation aids job retention by developing informed consumers that are less likely later to feel the need to quit their jobs due to unintended effects of working, such as loss of access to affordable medication .The goals of benefits consultation are two-fold:

· to ensure that consumers fully understand the impact and can fully anticipate the future consequences of working on their entitlement benefits; and

· to assist consumers to take advantage of supports that the entitlement systems do offer to aid and smooth the transition into permanent employment.