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Building Careers, Supporting Recovery

Job skills training, resume building, and employer partnerships to support sustainable recovery.

Employment Workshop

Meaningful Employment as a Recovery Cornerstone

Meaningful employment is a critical component of sustainable recovery. Our Employment Integration Program helps participants develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to secure and maintain fulfilling work that supports their recovery journey and financial independence.

Through comprehensive career assessment, job readiness training, employer partnerships, and ongoing support, we help individuals overcome barriers to employment and build careers that contribute to long-term stability and wellbeing.

Career Assessment

Identifying strengths, interests, and suitable career paths

Job Readiness

Resume building, interview skills, and workplace etiquette

Employer Partnerships

Connections with recovery-friendly employers and job placement support

Program Components

Our Employment Integration Program offers comprehensive support throughout the employment journey.

Career Assessment & Planning

Comprehensive assessment of skills, interests, values, and work history to identify suitable career paths. Our career counselors work with participants to develop personalized employment plans that align with their recovery goals, skills, and interests, setting realistic short and long-term career objectives.

Resume & Application Support

Professional assistance with creating effective resumes, cover letters, and job applications. Our team helps participants highlight their strengths and transferable skills while addressing employment gaps or other challenges in a positive, honest manner. We also provide guidance on digital job search strategies and online application processes.

Interview Preparation

Comprehensive interview training including mock interviews, feedback, and strategies for addressing challenging questions. Participants learn how to effectively communicate their skills and experiences, navigate questions about employment gaps or legal history, and present themselves professionally. Practice sessions are recorded for review and improvement.

Workplace Success Skills

Training in essential workplace skills including communication, time management, conflict resolution, and professional boundaries. Participants learn strategies for managing workplace stress, navigating workplace relationships, and balancing work responsibilities with recovery activities. Special attention is given to workplace triggers and coping strategies.

Employer Partnerships

Relationships with local employers who understand and support recovery. Our employer network includes businesses committed to providing opportunities for individuals in recovery, with varying levels of support and accommodation. We work with employers to create positive work environments while preparing participants for workplace expectations.

Job Placement & Support

Assistance with job search, applications, and placement in positions matched to participants' skills and recovery needs. Our employment specialists provide ongoing support during the job search process, including job leads, application assistance, and interview coordination. We help participants evaluate job opportunities for compatibility with their recovery plan.

Education & Training Connections

Support for accessing education and training programs to enhance employability. We help participants explore educational opportunities, navigate application processes, access financial aid, and balance educational commitments with recovery activities. Partnerships with local colleges and training programs provide additional support for participants.

Ongoing Employment Support

Continued support after job placement to address workplace challenges and maintain employment. Our employment counselors provide regular check-ins, problem-solving assistance, and mediation when needed. Support groups for employed participants offer peer encouragement and strategies for balancing work and recovery.

Addressing Employment Barriers

We provide specialized support for overcoming common barriers to employment.

Employment Gaps

Many individuals in recovery have gaps in their employment history due to addiction, mental health challenges, or treatment. Our program helps participants address these gaps honestly and positively on resumes and in interviews, focusing on transferable skills, volunteer experience, and personal growth during these periods.

Our Approach:

  • Strategic resume formatting to minimize gap emphasis
  • Interview coaching for discussing gaps constructively
  • Identifying transferable skills developed during recovery
  • Building recent experience through volunteering and internships

Legal History

Criminal records can present significant barriers to employment. Our program works with participants to understand their rights regarding background checks, identify employers open to hiring individuals with records, and effectively address legal history in the application and interview process.

Our Approach:

  • Education on rights and regulations regarding background checks
  • Connections with employers open to hiring those with records
  • Guidance on record expungement or pardon processes when applicable
  • Coaching on discussing legal history honestly and constructively

Limited Work Experience

Some participants have limited formal work experience or have been out of the workforce for extended periods. Our program helps identify and showcase transferable skills from other life experiences, connects participants with entry-level opportunities, and builds experience through volunteer work and internships.

Our Approach:

  • Skills-based resume development highlighting transferable abilities
  • Volunteer and internship placements to build recent experience
  • Entry-level job opportunities with advancement potential
  • References from recovery program staff and volunteer supervisors

Recovery Accommodation Needs

Balancing work responsibilities with recovery activities can be challenging. Our program helps participants identify employment that accommodates their recovery needs, understand their rights regarding reasonable accommodations, and develop strategies for maintaining recovery while working.

Our Approach:

  • Education on workplace rights and reasonable accommodations
  • Job matching that considers recovery schedule requirements
  • Strategies for balancing work and recovery commitments
  • Support for workplace disclosure decisions and conversations

Confidence and Self-Efficacy

Many individuals in recovery struggle with confidence and self-efficacy in professional settings. Our program provides opportunities to build confidence through incremental successes, positive reinforcement, and addressing negative self-perception and imposter syndrome.

Our Approach:

  • Confidence-building exercises and positive affirmation practices
  • Graduated exposure to workplace scenarios through role-play
  • Celebrating small successes and progress
  • Peer support from others who have overcome similar challenges

Workplace Triggers

Work environments can sometimes contain triggers for substance use or mental health symptoms. Our program helps participants identify potential workplace triggers, develop coping strategies, and create safety plans for managing challenging situations while maintaining employment.

Our Approach:

  • Workplace trigger identification and assessment
  • Development of personalized coping strategies
  • Creation of workplace safety and support plans
  • Ongoing counseling support for workplace challenges

Our Employer Network

We partner with recovery-friendly employers committed to providing meaningful opportunities.

Our Employment Integration Program has developed strong relationships with local employers who understand the value that individuals in recovery bring to the workplace. These partnerships create win-win situations: participants gain meaningful employment opportunities, while employers gain dedicated, motivated employees and ongoing support from our team.

Our employer partners range from small local businesses to larger corporations across various industries, including:

  • Food Service & Hospitality
  • Retail & Customer Service
  • Construction & Trades
  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Technology & Office Administration
  • Healthcare & Support Services
  • Manufacturing & Production
  • Social Services & Non-Profits

Benefits for Employer Partners

  • Pre-screened, qualified candidates matched to their specific needs
  • Ongoing support from our employment specialists for both employers and employees
  • Training and education on recovery-friendly workplace practices
  • Retention support to address challenges before they affect job performance
  • Access to motivated employees committed to their recovery and professional growth
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community

Become an Employer Partner

If you're an employer interested in joining our network of recovery-friendly workplaces, we'd love to connect with you. Our team can provide information about the benefits of partnership and how we support both employers and employees throughout the employment relationship.

Learn About Employer Partnerships

Program Format & Schedule

Our Employment Integration Program offers flexible options to meet diverse needs.

Program Options

Comprehensive Employment Program

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Format: Group workshops + individual coaching
  • Components: All employment preparation modules
  • Best for: Those needing full employment preparation

Job Search Support

  • Duration: Varies based on needs
  • Format: Individual coaching and job matching
  • Components: Resume review, job search, interview prep
  • Best for: Those with work experience needing placement

Employment Maintenance

  • Duration: Ongoing as needed
  • Format: Individual support and group sessions
  • Components: Workplace success strategies, problem-solving
  • Best for: Currently employed individuals seeking support

Scheduling Options

We understand that participants may have treatment commitments, part-time work, or other responsibilities. To ensure our services are accessible, we offer:

  • Morning Workshops: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon Workshops: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Individual Coaching: Flexible scheduling, including some evening appointments
  • Employment Support Group: Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Personalized Employment Plans

During your initial assessment, our employment specialists will work with you to develop a personalized employment plan that considers your skills, interests, recovery needs, and employment barriers. This plan will guide your participation in the program and help us match you with appropriate job opportunities.

Ready to Start Your Career Journey?

Contact us today to learn more about our Employment Integration Program and schedule an initial assessment.

Contact Us

Success Stories

Hear from participants who have transformed their lives through employment.

"After five years of addiction and unemployment, I couldn't imagine any employer would give me a chance. The Employment Integration Program helped me identify my transferable skills, create a professional resume, and practice interviewing until I felt confident. They connected me with an employer partner who understood my recovery journey, and I've now been working as an administrative assistant for over a year. Having stable employment has been crucial to maintaining my sobriety and rebuilding my life."

Jennifer R.
Program Graduate

"I had a good career before addiction took over my life, but after treatment, I was terrified about returning to work. Would I face triggers? Could I handle the stress without relapsing? The program helped me develop specific strategies for workplace challenges and connected me with an employer who allowed a gradual return to work schedule that accommodated my recovery meetings. The ongoing support from the employment specialists has been invaluable\u2014they're always there when I need to problem-solve a work situation."

Michael T.
Program Graduate

"With a criminal record from my addiction years, I thought my only option was minimum wage work with no future. The Employment Integration Program helped me see that my past didn't have to define my future. They connected me with training in the trades and an employer willing to give me a chance as an apprentice. Three years later, I'm a certified electrician with a stable income and career path. The program didn't just help me find a job\u2014they helped me build a career that supports my recovery and gives me purpose."

Carlos M.
Program Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our Employment Integration Program.

When should I start the Employment Integration Program during my recovery?

The timing for employment varies for each individual based on their recovery progress, stability, and treatment needs. Generally, we recommend that participants have at least 60-90 days of sobriety and stability in their recovery program before focusing intensively on employment. However, you can begin the career assessment and planning components earlier in your recovery journey. During your initial assessment, our employment specialists will help determine the appropriate timing and pace for your employment goals based on your specific situation, treatment plan, and recovery stability.

How do I explain my employment gaps or legal history to potential employers?

Our program provides extensive coaching on addressing employment gaps and legal history honestly while focusing on your current capabilities and commitment to growth. We help you develop personalized strategies for discussing these topics in interviews, including how much detail to share, appropriate language to use, and how to emphasize your recovery as a demonstration of personal growth and resilience. We also work with employer partners who understand recovery journeys and focus more on your current abilities and future potential than past challenges. The specific approach varies based on your situation, the type of employment you're seeking, and your comfort level with disclosure.

Do I have to disclose my recovery status to employers?

Disclosure of recovery status is a personal decision, and there is no legal obligation to disclose past substance use disorder to employers (though certain legal history may need to be disclosed if asked). Our program helps you make informed decisions about disclosure based on your specific situation, the workplace environment, and your needs. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges of different levels of disclosure and help you develop appropriate language if you choose to disclose. With our employer partners, some level of disclosure is typically involved in the referral process, but we always discuss this with you first and respect your preferences regarding what information is shared.

What types of jobs can I get through the program?

Our employer network includes opportunities across various industries and skill levels, from entry-level positions to professional roles. The specific opportunities available to you will depend on your skills, experience, interests, and any licensing or legal restrictions. We work with employers in food service, retail, construction, manufacturing, office administration, healthcare support, transportation, technology, and social services, among others. Our goal is to match you with employment that aligns with your career goals, supports your recovery, and provides opportunities for growth and advancement. We focus on quality employment with supportive environments rather than just quick placement in any available job.

What support is available after I find employment?

Our support continues well beyond job placement. After you secure employment, we provide ongoing support including regular check-ins with both you and your employer (with your permission), problem-solving assistance for workplace challenges, mediation if needed, and guidance on balancing work responsibilities with recovery activities. We also offer an Employment Support Group where working participants can discuss workplace challenges and strategies with peers. This ongoing support is available for at least the first six months of employment, with extended support available as needed. Our goal is to help you not just find employment, but maintain it successfully while continuing your recovery journey.

Build Your Career While Supporting Your Recovery

Our Employment Integration Program provides the tools, connections, and support you need to find meaningful work that enhances your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more and get started.