Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Adults and High School Students in Transition

We are all unique and have special needs. If you have the desire to work, we can help you clarify your strengths and establish realistic vocational goals.

The Career Development Program at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) in central New Jersey is offered through the Vocational Rehabilitation Department. We provide a variety of services that enables clients to define their vocational assets, interests and abilities. We assess each client's independent living skills and ability to drive, use public transportation and manage money. JRI provides the opportunity for career exploration through short-term paid work experiences, individual and group vocational counseling, and independent living skill experiences. All aspects of job seeking are addressed (interviewing techniques, resume preparation and application completion). A job hunt club is also available for job-ready candidates.

This program is available to high school students ages 15 to 21 (or when old enough for working papers), as well as adults of all ages. Students may participate on either a full-time or part-time basis. Participants may have worked in the past or may be entering the workforce for the first time. An extended school year program is also available.

Community-based mentorship opportunities are provided to program seniors prior to graduation.

JRI's Vocational Rehabilitation Department also offers two training programs. Both require a brief vocational evaluation prior to training to assure each candidate's success.

• The Professional Office Skills Training Program provides clerical training in Microsoft Windows, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, Quick Books and the use and operation of all office machinery. A weekly practicum experience is also available. Open enrollment is offered year-round for this self-paced training that can last up to 100 days. Participants who are able to accelerate their learning may progress at their own pace. Classes are small, allowing the instructors to address each participant's personal needs and provide additional assistance when needed.
   
• The Laboratory Assistant Training Program is a 15-week comprehensive training program which prepares students for entry-level positions within the clinical, environmental and/or pharmaceutical industries. The training includes the use of laboratory equipment; laboratory safety; OSHA guidelines; receiving, labeling and routing specimens; making solutions and medias; use of the metric system; basic keyboarding; and use of MS Word and Excel. A one-week internship at a local laboratory and/or tours of research, clinical, environmental and pharmaceutical sites are provided. Students also have the opportunity to network with laboratory representatives through technical reviews and practice job interviews. Three 15-week classes are offered per year.

Individual and group vocational counseling is provided at our NJ locations to assist clients in preparing for employment. Topics covered may include resume preparation, interviewing techniques, and job development and retention.