Vocational Assessment, Training & Placement
Our Vocational programs help people with mental, emotional, social or physical disabilities overcome barriers so that they can gain independence and confidence through self-sufficiency. In 2006, our Vocational programs helped nearly 500 individuals.
Vocational Assistance Project (VAP)
Our Vocational Assistance Project (VAP) provides employment evaluation and brief career counseling services to individuals enrolled who are enrolled in a New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) licensed treatment program anywhere in Westchester County. By evaluating a participant’s interests, values, strengths and limitations, we are able to help them make more informed decisions regarding short- and long-term career or educational goals. VAP operates from our 277 North Avenue, New Rochelle, location and is available to qualified candidates 16 and older. Hours are: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (DVE)
Our Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (DVE) program helps people with mental, emotional, social or physical barriers choose appropriate job goals. Through a comprehensive evaluation, counselors work with the individuals to assess employment interests, values, skills, limitations and academic abilities as well as work readiness. This program is open to any Westchester County or Bronx resident 16 and older with a mental, emotional, social or physical disability, who has an open and active VESID* case. DVE is headquartered at our 277 North Avenue, New Rochelle location and is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Assisted Competitive Employment (ACE)
Our Assisted Competitive Employment (ACE) Program helps individuals with psychiatric disabilities move toward self-sufficiency by providing vocational and educational goal planning. Participants must be interested in part-time (less than 20 hours per week) work, volunteer work or have an educational goal. ACE provides assistance with job search and retention skills, resume writing and interviewing techniques, career exploration, locating educational and training programs, completing admission applications and financial aid forms.
ACE is available to Westchester County residents 18 and older who have a formal psychiatric disability or serious and persistent mental illness. The program is housed at our 277 North Avenue, New Rochelle location, and is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with evening and weekend appointments as needed.
Supported Employment
Our Supported Employment Program helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain rewarding jobs. We provide vocational counseling, job search skills, job development, job placement and on-site coaching and assessment to help ensure positive results for both the individual and the employer. All program participants are referred by VESID* and must meet the criteria for “most significant disability.” This means they must have limitations in 3 or more of the following functioning areas: cognitive, emotional, social, language, or physical. Vocational Services are offered through our 277 North Avenue, New Rochelle location and are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with evening and weekend appointments as needed.
Work Adjustment Training/Clerical Training Program
Our Work Adjustment Training is a 16 week course that combines employment-related clerical training with real-world work experience through internships. After successfully completing the program, participants receive job development services. The first 12 weeks of the program is instructional and the following 4 weeks consist of a non-paid internship experience in the community. Participants must be 18 or older and be referred through VESID*. Services are provided at our 277 North Avenue, New Rochelle location and take place Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Retail Sales & Customer Service
The Guidance Center offers a six week course where clients learn the ins and outs of customer service and retail sales. From how to properly greet a customer upon entering a store, to closing a sale and using a cash register, this program prepares clients to enter the retail sales force.
Workforce Development Academy for Youth (Mount Vernon)
Our Workforce Development Academy for Youth reaches at-risk, hard-to-employ youth and provides them with tools and opportunities so they can graduate high school. We work collaboratively with the Mount Vernon High School social worker to identify and enroll students who will benefit from the intensive educational, work-readiness and youth leadership programs. The goal is to help reduce the drop-out rate while increasing the opportunity for students to transition to employment or other academic goals, such as college or vocational training. The program is funded by the Westchester/Putnam Local Workforce Investment Board through a federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grant. It is currently only available in Mount Vernon. All students must first meet the criteria for economic need, which means the total household income must not exceed 70% above the poverty level. In addition, the student must also meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria: pregnant or parenting teen; homeless or foster child; performing at or below the 8.9 grade level in at least in one subject area; or have experienced in any area of the legal system.
Project CREATE (New Rochelle)
At-risk and disabled students who will not meet the credit requirements for high school graduation have the opportunity to earn a GED and receive transitional services through Project CREATE (Careers, Recreation, Education and Transitional Effectiveness), a collaborative program with New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle Outreach and Iona College. Classes are held at Iona College, Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
VESID MTP Program (Model Transition Program)
In Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and Lakeland Central school districts, The Guidance Center partners with the school district to provide transitional services to disabled students who meet the criteria for VESID eligibility. A wide range of services are offered to the students in these districts and may include: college tours, career assessment, job shadowing, internship development, job development, and job coaching.
*VESID refers to the New York State Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.
More Information
For additional information on any of our Vocational Services programs, please contact Laura Siegel, MS, CRC, LMHC: 914.632.7600 x220; Email: lsiegel@tgcny.org.