Vocational Services

The Vocational Services Program works with individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities to develop and enhance their work skills.  This is achieved by a combination of classroom instruction and community volunteer experiences based on an individual's preferences. Services are offered to individuals between the ages of 18-59, but the age requirement can be negotiated for young adults that are beginning to transition out of high school. The team does an initial Vocational Assessment in which individuals are scored on their job search skills, application/interview skills, work retention skills, and their understanding of employee benefits.  A Vocational Plan of Action is then structured from the assessment. 

Individuals learn how to search, apply, and conduct mock interviews for jobs. In order to enhance work retention skills, individuals volunteer at a variety of area agencies and businesses. They receive staff support while volunteering in the community and when appropriate this support will fade. The individual's day is divided between class time and volunteer time so that the day's activity can be reviewed and discussed in a group format. An individual may have several volunteer experiences throughout a week to so they gain a better understanding of different types of employment responsibilities.

Supported Employment is also offered through the Vocational Services. Support is offered by a job coach to individuals that are employed and require on-the-job supports in order to successfully complete the responsibilities of their position with the end goal of the job coach fading out.

For more information about Vocational Services or to make a referral, please contact the Director of Centre Services at (412) 683-7100, 1-888-954-2424, or info@ucpclass.org.