Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Goodwill Work Readiness Bootcamp
These programs help people find a path to fulfilling and gainful employment, regardless of any physical or developmental challenges they face. Goodwill offers programs for adults and for high-school students.
In both adult and youth programs, participants find paid job experiences, and often long-term career placements that suit their skills and their dreams. Adults who have a disability can meet with a specialist any time.
Goodwill offers Goodwill Work Readiness Bootcamp, or “Bootcamp”, which is a Vocational Rehabilitation program aimed at high-school students. Bootcamp is offered in the classroom, where students learn essential job skills before their graduation day. Career advisors come into the schools and teach a combination of soft and hard skills – with a focus on how they relate to employment – to help prepare students for the transition following high school. Courses include basics like resume writing and financial literacy, and soft skills like professional communication.
Goodwill staff empower people with disabilities to achieve their career aspirations by offering an array of services, resources, and support, all aimed at removing barriers to employment and fostering self-sufficiency. Participants can expect:
Individualized Support: Every person starts with an individualized assessment to determine their unique skills, interests, and challenges. From there, a personalized plan is crafted to address specific career goals.
Skill Enhancement: For many, learning new skills or refining existing ones is pivotal. Goodwill staff provide training resources and education, equipping individuals with the tools they need to excel in the workforce.
Job Placement Assistance: Finding the right job is crucial. Goodwill works with local businesses to match-make. Often, participants start with a “paid job experience” so they can see if a job would be a good fit for them. This job experience is free to the employer, which also gives them a chance to try out the potential employee.
Ongoing Support: The journey to employment doesn’t end with a job offer. We provide ongoing support and counseling to help individuals thrive in their careers. For many participants, this might start with on-the-job supports with a job coach. Goodwill’s goal is to slowly fade away, as the participant gains independence and confidence.
Accessibility Advocacy: Access to workspaces, technology, and reasonable accommodations are essential. Goodwill staff advocate for individuals to ensure their work environments are inclusive and conducive to their success. We also teach self-advocacy, so that everyone continues to get what they need to succeed.
These programs are part of the Maine Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
How to be a part of this good work
Help jobseekers explore their options
We’re always looking to partner with local employers to help adult and youth clients find and keep meaningful jobs. We need employers who want to work with us for work-based learning experiences, job tours, job shadows and more. Interested employers can reach out to Chad Leighton at chad.leighton@goodwillnne.org.
