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.

Short Term Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation

Vocational Evaluation is offered to individuals with disabilities. Clients are referred by vocational service agencies such as the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration, NJ commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired and others.

Referred individuals are assessed to identify and learn about their vocational Interests, Aptitudes & Abilities, level of work tolerance and potential for employment. These areas are assessed in a 5 day period.

The Vocational Evaluation staff utilizes standardized testing instruments including gauging academic achievement, vocational interests and aptitudes, memory, dexterity, perception and others. The Vocational Evaluation is composed of computerized and paper/pencil testing instruments. The assessment is supplemented with "hands on" activities or work samples. Additionally, most clients are provided with the opportunity to participate in Situational Assessments. That provides the opportunity for real, on-the-job exposure to a wide variety of jobs to further learn about the demands of work.

Accommodations are made for individuals' disabling condition to successfully complete the Vocational Evaluation. The outcome of the 5 day Vocational Evaluation includes a meeting with the program staff, the participant, their referral source and other guests invited by the participant. The meeting is focused on the individual's present and future vocational opportunities. The clients and referral source are provided with recommendations for realistic and in-demand jobs in the community, training, educational opportunities and other services to ready the individual for productive work activity, taking into account all of the individual's abilities.

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.