Employment Services
CIS provides expert employment services to people with disabilities. Since 1991, CIS has helped thousands of people achieve their employment goals. For more information about the employment process, please contact info@cisworks.org.
Our Model
Supported Employment is an evidence-based practice of helping people with disabilities succeed in the work environment. CIS works with each jobseeker individually to set them up for employment success.
Trained professionals provide guidance through the entire process, which includes:
Assess and explore skills and interests at actual worksites in the community. Identify strengths, preferences, needs, and potential job matches.
Expert guidance and support throughout the job search to secure strength-based employment. Everyone’s path will look a little different, and may include:
- Developing a resume
- Preparing for job interviews
- Connecting with businesses and community resources
- Expert job matching advice
- Customized Employment
Onsite training and support from a ‘Job Coach’ to help acclimate to the workplace, learn job tasks, and achieve independence. Training and coaching can be provided on either a short-term or a long-term basis, depending on each person’s needs and preferences.
The average American holds around 12 different jobs throughout their career. The employee can be supported through taking on new challenges, seeking new or additional work, transitioning between jobs, or advancing in their career.
School to Work Transition
Youth with disabilities who focus on employment during the transition years access improved career opportunities throughout their adult lives. CIS works with hundreds of students and ‘opportunity youth’ to explore careers, develop job skills, and make meaningful community connections as they transition seamlessly from school to work.
Youth participate in:
Career Exploration Activities
Work-based Learning Experiences
Job Shadowing
Internships
Paid Employment
Resume Development
Job Interview Preparation
Travel Training
Benefits Planning
CIS School to Work Transition programs work collaboratively with schools, universities, vocational rehabilitation and workforce development agencies, employers, and community partners. Serving youth with disabilities ages 16-24, our goal is to help facilitate a seamless transition from school to employment.
Services and special projects include:
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is making new opportunities available for students with disabilities through age 21. CIS works collaboratively with VR regional offices to design individualized career exploration opportunities for students with disabilities.
IEP Services
Partnering with districts, schools, and educators, CIS works collaboratively with the IEP team to provide employment experiences for high school students with disabilities. Students move from the classroom to the community as they explore careers with the goal of transitioning seamlessly to competitive employment. CIS connects students to follow along services to ensure success post-graduation, and has helped hundreds of students experience a successful transition.
Project SEARCH
A unique workplace immersion program that combines classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands on job training. CIS provides Job Skills Trainers and Job Developers for 6 SEARCH programs, supports participants in learning marketable job skills and creates connections to competitive employment opportunities after graduating from the program.
Our Project SEARCH partners
Drexel University
School District of Philadelphia
Christiana Hospital
Bay Health
Del Department of Transportation
Nanticoke Hospital
For more information about School to Work Transition, please contact info@cisworks.org.
Benefits Counseling
People who receive cash benefits from Social Security Administration, and other public benefits, are rightfully concerned what will happen when they start working – the maze of public benefits is confusing! Our team of Certified Benefits Counselors provide expert guidance to demonstrate why it always pays to work, and empower people towards financial self-sufficiency.
Counselors verify and review current benefits, provide info on what can happen when there is earned income, and help create the highest income possible between work and benefits. CIS is here to help people and families navigate the system and make strong, informed decisions about work.
Our Certified Benefits Counselors work with you to:
Connect to public benefits and services for which you may be eligible
Learn how to correctly report income to SSA
Secure SSA work incentives to maximize income
Verify SSA benefits with a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY)
Review your current benefits and the changes that might occur when you begin to earn income
Determine if working towards self-sufficiency through Ticket to Work is right for you
Please contact benefits@cisworks.org for more information
Ticket to Work
CIS assists individuals, ages 18-64, receiving Social Security (SSA) disability benefits along their career path and towards financial independence. The CIS team of experts provides individualized support every step of the way to help you safely navigate your way back to work and towards self-sufficiency.
The information below will help you determine if the Ticket to Work program is right for you.
Job Search and Preparation
Work with a Job Developer to find opportunities that match your unique skills, preferences, and experience.
Resume Development
A professional resume helps you stand out to employers and lead with your talents and experience.
Benefits Counseling
Certified Benefits Counselors help you maximize financial outcomes through guidance on work income and Social Security benefits.
Interview Preparation
Resources, insight, and ‘Mock Interviews’ with employer-partners help sharpen your interview skills.
Ongoing Benefits Counseling
Our Certified Benefits Counselors at CIS offer guidance in navigating through the maze of Social Security Benefits.
Workplace Transition Assistance
CIS’ Employment Training Specialists provide support to help you acclimate to your new job.
Additional Support
CIS will provide you with a long term partnership, and support you with any troubles down the road.
Employment Bonuses
CIS offers financial incentives when you reach designated employment milestones. *Terms and conditions apply
Please click the interest form inquiring about our Ticket to Work program. Once you complete the form, an Intake Specialist will reach out to you to further discuss your work goals and how we can help you reach them.
ACRE Training
FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT
ACRE Basic Employment Services Certificate Training
A 40-hour classroom and fieldwork training for Employment Support Professionals, our course satisfies staffing requirements for service providers in Pennsylvania and beyond. CIS expert trainers offer an engaging learning experience based on our set of best practices and thousands of successful employment outcomes.
We offer regularly scheduled trainings in Philadelphia and the suburban counties, or can coordinate training at your location.
Interested in learning more? Contact ACRE@cisworks.org
Interested in registering for one of scheduled courses? Click here