EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Training and Employment Services

Alternatives' employment services provide opportunities for people to choose, obtain, and keep jobs that match their skills, job readiness, and preferences. To accomplish this we provide a comprehensive career development program that includes vocational assessment, career counseling, job matching, a wide variety of on-the-job training experiences and competitive job placement. Our research-based program design stresses the importance of four key elements of employment success: possessing the necessary skills, understanding one's job expectations, being able to integrate performance feedback, and getting along with co-workers. To develop these skills and attitudes while maximizing each individual's earning potential, we place people in a variety of work settings that best match their abilities, including: individualized training settings, small group employment, supervised work crews, and competitive job placement.

Career Centers

Alternatives bases its employment services at several career centers, strategically located to maximize visibility throughout our service areas. While the vision for each center varies, each vocational team is committed to establishing its center as a community resource while providing the employment services described above.

Volunteerism

We encourage and assist people who are between jobs, or who work part time, to participate in a wide variety of volunteer experiences. These activities help people develop or strengthen practical job skills and social skills while making a valued contribution to their local community. Over time, many of these experiences have led to employment, the development of friendships and increased civic involvement.