Employment and Training

Community Based Work Adjustment

Goodwill Community Based Work Adjustment is designed to help individuals with disabilities to develop skills and formulate plans to prepare for and obtain successful employment in the community. Individuals work in Goodwill stores and area businesses where real world work opportunities are offered to assess a persons abilities, interest and job skills.

Goodwill staff works with individuals in the community for a period of 30 to 120 days through the Community Work Adjustment Program. The purpose of the program is to help individuals understand the meaning, value, and demands of work and to establish effective work skills, attitudes, and behaviors.

Individuals eligible for this program must be eligible to work in the United States, have a documented disability that is a barrier to employment, require services to gain employment, have a funding source-typically the Department of Rehabilitative Services, or able to purchase service on their own, and have the ability to care for personal needs, or have aid to assist with needs.

Community Based Work Adjustment training operates Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 3pm.

Employment related training activities include:

Positive work attitude
Time management
Appropriate dress & hygiene
Adaptability
Conflict resolution
Customer service
Punctuality & attendance
Interpersonal skills
Counseling for job retention
Attention to work responsibilities

For more information on the Community Based Work Adjustment program, e-mail info@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 6.

James Williams came to Goodwill in June of 2006 with an unstable work history. Referred by the Department of Rehabilitative Services, James had struggled for years with a psychological disability, which led to his last three jobs lasting less than a year. Without the ability to maintain employment, James was unable to keep his own apartment and support himself financially.

Through Goodwill Work Adjustment Training, James began to focus on appropriate work skills. A program plan was developed, with James’s input, to focus on areas such as attendance, work tolerance, and attitude. In September of 2006 James completed the program, and was hired by the Salem Goodwill store, where he had done his training.

James now has the confidence and experience to maintain employment. Since being hired by Goodwill in 2006 he has been promoted to cashier, and is now able to financially support himself and has reduced his dependence on government benefits. He no longer receives food stamps or Medicaid, and pays his Medicare premium rather than Medicaid covering the cost.

“Goodwill gave me the opportunity to get back into the working world. My case manager’s support and guidance helped me to become successful.”