Employment and Training

Supported Employment

Goodwill offers competitive employment in a community work environment through the supported employment program. This service provide:

Assessment
Individual goal setting
Identification of employment barrier
Job placement and training
Vocational skills training
Long term follow along

When Goodwill partners with an area business to provide community employment, a Goodwill employment specialist first secures employment for the individual. They then provide the necessary training, coaching, and support on-site at the new job to ensure success. Goodwill staff also works with the new supervisor to ensure understanding of any special accommodations when supervising the employee. Service delivery times are determined by the work schedule of the program participants and the needs of the employer.

Once it is determined by the supervisor that the employee is successfully performing their job, the employment specialist will begin to conduct periodic reviews of performance with the individual. Additionally, Goodwill remains in contact with the program participant’s employer to ensure continued success.

Program participants in Supported Employment are referred and funded by the Department of Rehabilitative Services.

For more information on the Supported Employment program, e-mail info@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 6.

Rosa Radcliff moved back to her hometown, near Rocky Mount, Virginia, after a divorce left her depressed, alone, and with little hope and direction for the future. Then in 1997 Rosa came to Goodwill and began working in the Work Center.

The Work Center provided Rosa the stability and structure that she needed to begin the process of becoming independent again. Rosa’s determination and hard work paid off and in 2003 she entered Goodwill’s Supported Employment program and began working in the Rocky Mount retail store.

Rosa thrived in her position in the retail store. She enjoyed the structure of the job, as well as the responsibility to work independently. After five years of working in the store it was time for Rosa to take the next step and move to a non-Goodwill employer in the community.

Since 2007 Rosa has been employed by Red Oak Manor, an assisted living facility, in Rocky Mount. A member of the housekeeping team, Rosa is successful in her new career. She likes her work, is highly dependable, and enjoys contributing to her family’s income.

“Jobs are hard to find and Goodwill was a great place to get help and start over. I appreciate all that Goodwill has done for me.”