Career Services is a program which assists consumers of mental health services in choosing, preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. Employees hired through our program bring with them the support and commitment of our professional staff for as long as they work for you. Some of the benefits available to employers are:
- Employment pool: motivated, qualified, reliable individuals ready to work.
- On-the-job training: An employment specialist is available to assist with job training. Financial assistance may be available to you from the Department of Rehabilitation.
- Ongoing evaluation of job performance: An employment specialist monitors each employee with a regular schedule of contacts.
- Non-time-limited support to employer and employee throughout duration of employment.
- Awareness training: The Career Services team is available to educate staff and employees on issues of mental illness.
- Information and assistance regarding Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Community contribution: Provides employment for persons with disabilities, thus saving tax dollars.
- All services are free.
Career Services is a program which assists consumers of mental health services in choosing, preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. You will have the opportunity to work with a job developer to secure employment in your chosen field. You will also have access to support services as needed to help you maintain successful employment.
Pre-employment Class
Career Services facilitates a 4-week class that is geared to individuals still undecided about their career goals. You will identify your interests and skills and learn how best to use these in order to secure future employment. You will also learn about employment-related issues such as Social Security and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Education and Training
Career Services also assists individuals in achieving educational goals. Introduction to Community College 101 is a 6-week course providing information on Cabrillo College orientation, campus services, forms and schedules, assessment testing, and on-campus registration.
The class is held at Community Connection and is led by a staff member of Cabrillo College Disabled Student Services. Career Services also provides information and referral to other agencies offering training, classes, and certification programs.
Career Services provides a means to reestablish yourself in the employment sector. We work closely with the Department of Rehabilitation to assist you in securing employment. You will have job-search assistance, help with resumes and the application process, and access to a job developer.
Support Services
As you maintain employment, you will have the benefits of a weekly job- support group, job-coaching availability on or off-site, and on-going assistance and support from Career Services staff as long as is needed.
"I presently have an employee placed by Career Services and he is doing extremely well. I'm pleased to be able to help a disadvantaged individual and at the same time fill a need in our store. We are both winners! I would highly recommend this program to other employers... it works!"
--Neil L. Wolfe, Manager
Longs Drugs
According to a 1992 report of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, 85% of people with psychiatric disabilities are unemployed. The impact of this chronic unemployment leaves individuals adrift and the community deprived of their productivity. Effective vocational rehabilitation programs recognize both the needs of people with disabilities and their potential employers.
Career Services is a cooperative venture between Community Connection, the State Department of Rehabilitation, and Santa Cruz County Mental Health Services. Working together with employers, we provide employment opportunities to people with mental illness. This effort not only benefits the individual, but the employer and the community as a whole.