Vocational Services

Vocational Services

Search for Change’s Vocational Services support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful, long-term employment through personalized, one-on-one guidance. Regardless of the type of disability, each participant receives a customized service plan focused on identifying their unique strengths, skills, values, and employment goals. Our proven approach to job matching and career support consistently leads to high rates of job placement and retention based on each individual's preferences and needs.

For more than 20 years, we have built and maintained a strong network of community partners and employers, and we work in close collaboration with the New York State Education Department’s ACCES-VR to ensure seamless support from assessment to employment. Our employment outcomes consistently exceed national standards, reflecting our deep commitment to participant success.

Importantly, all vocational services are provided at no cost to the participant, ensuring that support is accessible to all who need it.

Vocational Evaluation 

One of the most important and necessary first steps for any individual to find a career path or simply a most fulfilling and satisfying work experience begins with knowing not only what you can do (skills) but what you love to do (values).  Individual(s) may require reasonable accommodation(s) to address any personal challenges he or she may be facing, and we assist with the implementation of these accommodations with the employer.  The Search for Change evaluation service is a measured and concrete time limited (minimal) process, which affords an individual this opportunity of pre-employment exploration.  This is an invaluable first step for individuals to make better more informed choices for themselves in order to secure a properly matched work environment. 

Typically, evaluations run Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, and are spread over a 2-4 week period.  However, an abbreviated 5-day program can be provided for clients who may have work or other commitments.  This can and will necessarily include community based work assessment.

Job Placement 

Search for Change vocational services provide direct hands on, one on one, customized and personally tailored placement plans to meet the needs, wants and desires of any participant enrolled in our program regardless of disability.  In fact, we serve a demographic population starting with age 14 without an age restriction cap. 

We will provide support services which will assist any participant regardless of financial circumstances via our partnership with the State Education Department (ACCES-VR).  Such services as direct placement and job coaching are just two examples of these supports.