Project Advance Vocational Services

Programs For People, Inc., offers a repertoire of evaluative, pre-vocational, and placement services designed to teach skills needed to work in the private sector and to overcome behavioral and emotional barriers to employment. Ongoing support is integrated into all vocational services to promote successful rehabilitation. Vocational programs incorporate various levels of stress and expectation to accommodate differing degrees of readiness for managing work.

The Project Advance Vocational Services program offers a wide range of opportunities to help people prepare themselves emotionally for employment in the areas of assuming responsibilities, relating to an employer and/or supervisor, and getting along with co-workers. In addition, jobs are located and developed for the people we serve attending the program according to their own individual needs, and follow-up support is provided for up to two years, if necessary.

Our Vocational Placement Services are designed to meet the needs of adults whose work lives or careers have been interrupted or delayed by mental health concerns. It provides them with the skills and support necessary to seek and maintain employment and, above all, to locate an optimal job match. People we serve appreciate the fact that they are given the option of either disclosing or not disclosing to a prospective employer that they are receiving services for mental health challenges. Although people we serve frequently opt for an “undisclosed” placement due to the fear of being stigmatized, choosing a “disclosed” placement is advantageous because, should a problem arise on the job after the employee has been hired, Project Advance staff is then in a position to be of immediate assistance to both the employer and the employee to try to resolve the problem and help the employee to retain the job.

Services are reimbursed by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and supported by donations, and thus are available at no cost whatsoever to people we serve. Applicants must have demonstrated an interest in job placement or resumption of their careers. Experience and education range from entry-level to college graduates. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a diagnosis of a mental health condition, be actively receiving services from a licensed mental health clinician, and be able to benefit from vocational services.

Enrollment is subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

Project Advance Vocational Services are provided in 3 components: Vocational Assessment, Job Readiness Skills, and Job Placement.

Services Include:

  • Vocational Assessment

  • Job Readiness Skills

  • Vocational Placement

  • On-site simulated work experience (The Lunch Box)

  • Assistance with educational, volunteer, and employment plans (Employment Directions)

  • Career-level services, including training seminars and placement (Project Advance Vocational Services)

  • Individual and group vocational rehabilitation counseling

  • Consultation and liaison with employers, family, and service providers

    • Identification of work preferences, values and abilities, as well as psychological and functional barriers to successful employment including transportation and other potential concerns

    • Consultation with members of client’s clinical treatment team

    • Education regarding public assistance benefits and returning to work

    • Identification of workplace accommodations, if necessary

    • Planning for provision of professional and natural supports

    • Assistance with registering with Employment & Training Resources, (a Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center) which offers a variety of job seeking seminars and computer training at no cost

    • Weekly individual vocational counseling with Project Advance staff

    • Weekly Project Advance Support Group

    • Determination of realistic job choices, based upon the client’s interests and current skills

    • Development of resumes, cover letters and “market pitch”

    • Introduction to interviewing techniques, mock interviews, informational interviews

    • Client chooses either a “disclosed” or a “undisclosed” placement

    • Weekly assistance with coordination of job search efforts

    • Assistance with online applications, if necessary

    • Weekly individual vocational counseling with Project Advance staff

    • After the client has been offered and accepted a job, weekly vocational counseling for a minimum of 90 days while transitioning into the job, followed by monthly ongoing support (if desired) in order to promote job retention success

    • If the client has chosen a “disclosed” placement, Project Advance staff may facilitate employer/employee relations and negotiate workplace accommodations, if necessary