Goodwill offers a Transitional Employment Program to individuals whose employment success may be impacted by their mental health.
The Transitional Employment Program is:
Individualized · Strength-based · Time-limited
The model assists individuals with a mental health diagnosis gain the skills necessary to obtain competitive employment. A program specialist guides individuals through the process by completing intake, developing an individualized Employment Service Plan (ESP), and meeting periodically at the Fayette Goodwill Workforce Development Center to review goals and identify skills for employment.
A work-site supervisor provides local transportation to the site when needed, supervision, foundation skills training, and feedback to the individual and program specialist.
Transitional Employment works within the following framework:
Participants are offered the opportunity to gain foundational work skills to be competitive in the workforce, through Goodwill’s community-based janitorial, retail, and cartridge recycling programs.
Day, evening, and weekend hours are available by location. All shifts offered to participants are part-time. The individual’s start date is determined by position availability and the frequency of service is determined by the individual’s need.
An employment specialist meets with participants periodically throughout the program to prepare for competitive employment by creating an individualized employment plan. Career goals are tailored to the individual’s interests, desired work schedule, and availability of jobs in the open labor market. The participant begins actively job searching and successfully completes the program upon obtaining competitive employment and/or entry into other employment services.
Program referral and eligibility:
Individuals may be referred through any Fayette County mental health provider. The program is funded by Fayette County Behavioral Health Services (FCBHS). The services code is H2023 with rates determined by FCBHS at the time of referral.
Eligible participants will:
- Demonstrate a desire to work in the community
- Reside in Fayette County
- Provide a psychological evaluation documenting a Mental Health Diagnosis
To learn more, contact:
Victoria Focht, Program Specialist – Employment Services
Phone: 412-435-7048
Email: victoria.focht@goodwillswpa.org