The Work Experience Program is currently offered in Lake, La Porte, Porter, Starke, Marshall, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties. The primary clientele is referred from the Division of Family and Children’s IMPACT program. Other referrals include individuals who have lost employment through layoffs, have completed substance abuse programs, are ex-offenders, etc. Individuals receive a thorough interview to determine his/her needs to find gainful employment.

Upon completion of the interview the client and the case manager work together to develop a plan to achieve the desired goals. Services could include the following:

Assessment—includes aptitude, learning styles, environmental preferences, knowledge, of work place rules, vocational interests, likelihood of substance abuse, etc.

Social Services—based upon interview and assessment, the case manager may refer the individual to other agencies for services not offered within Goodwill. BRAVO—Goodwill’s job readiness class, prepares individuals to complete resumes and job applications. It also focuses on the interview and handling questions that could keep one from being hired. It also spends time on retention concerns such as managing home and work, child care, transportation, anger management, work place expectations, etc.

Work Experience—only available in St. Joseph County - this provides individuals with the opportunity to put BRAVO! to practice. Clients spend two to four weeks within Goodwill working as a trainee to develop a positive work history, build stamina, etc. Clients earn minimum wage while providing meaningful work in an environment that allows them to develop good work habits and/or build recent work history.

Job Placement—individuals work with an Employment Specialist to look for work in the community by developing job leads through various methods. The Employment Specialist works to assist the job seeker to find tune the skills learned in BRAVO! concerning the application, resume and interviewing skills.

Job Retention—staff provides follow-along to the individual for a minimum of 90 days post employment to ensure that the new employee is making the adjustment to the new setting. The staff also works with the employer to ensure that he/she does not have any concerns about the new employee.

Career Advancement—after clients have shown the ability to maintain a positive work history, the staff is available to work with the individual to upgrade his/her resume and look for employment at the next level.