WorkAbility III

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.