WorkAbility III
Workability III teaches students the skills that will help them transition to meaningful careers and realize their potential."
What is WorkAbility III?
WorkAbility III (WAIII) programs are established between select California community colleges and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). WAIII programs serve individuals with disabilities who are both community college students and DOR consumers desiring employment. Students are referred to the WAIII program by their DOR vocational rehabilitation counselor for enhanced, coordinated vocational services to help them obtain meaningful employment. The San Diego Community College District’s WAIII program has been in place since 1989 and continues to provide uniquely individualized services to its diverse program participants.
Who is eligible?
In order to receive services through our program, you must be:
- A client of the California Department of Rehabilitation, or eligible for its services.
- A student attending classes, or willing to take classes, within the San Diego Community College District (credit or non-credit).
If you are a student and you are not yet a client of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), please contact an office near you to schedule an appointment with an intake counselor. To apply online or for more information, visit the DOR website.
Career Exploration/Vocational Assessment
In order to determine their employment goal, students can explore different career options with our vocational specialists through career counseling, vocational assessment, labor market research, informational interviews, and more. Services can be complimented with courses in career assessment and employment preparation through the San Diego College of Continuing Education, offered at no cost to the student.
Specialized Vocational Counseling
Our vocational specialists work with students to explore and evaluate their education, work history, interests, skills, and personality. This, along with knowledge of the local labor market, will assist them in finding the best employment for the student. A thoughtful approach to factoring in the abilities, limitations, and potential accommodations for the student’s disability is also utilized. Our staff are well-experienced in working with diverse individuals who may also encounter challenges related to their criminal history, lack of work history or gaps in employment, and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) systems. All staff are LGBTQ+ SafeZone trained.
Employment Preparation, Job Development, Placement, and Retention
We provide students with the necessary tools for them to become successful in their job search. This can include the creation or modification of effective marketing tools such as a resume, cover letter/letter of interest, a "master application", and the development of a portfolio, when applicable. We provide job leads, information for college and community job fairs, conduct mock interview workshops, assist individuals with developing appropriate/professional workplace behavior, employer outreach and referrals, and more!
Our vocational specialists monitor student progress once they have become employed for a minimum of 90 days. We focus on teaching job retention strategies and remain available to assist students after they have been hired. We can visit the workplace, as appropriate, and can be brought on to consult with the student’s employer/supervisor/team if requested by the student.
Work Experience and Internships
Students who are pursuing their education or training with SDCCD are highly encouraged to combine education and work experience. Our staff can assist students in securing volunteer work experience, on-the-job trainings, and/or internships related to their vocational objective to enhance marketability upon graduation or completion of their training.WorkAbility also participates in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), which is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private-sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
Accommodations
Each staff member is highly trained in accommodation recommendations in the workplace. Our vocational specialists can teach students to self-advocate to receive the necessary accommodations for the job application and interview process and as required to perform essential functions of their job. Learn more about workplace accommodations at the Job Accommodation Network.
For an opportunity to meet with the WorkAbility III program coordinator, and to learn more about our program as well as the Department of Rehabilitation, please reach out to:
WorkAbility III | Jamila DeCarli Program Coordinator | jdecarli@sdccd.edu
(619) 736-8409 (Google Voice)
