ABLE Employment Services

Job readiness training addresses those skills clients will need to get and keep a job. Training includes completing employment applications, writing resumes, interviewing techniques, mode of presentation, organizing a job search, interpersonal work skills including accepting supervision and getting along with co-workers, and good work habits (i.e., punctuality, attendance, completion of tasks).

Clients will engage in video-taped mock interviews, prepare cover and thank you letters, and learn the use of the telephone in conducting job searches. Instruction will incorporate the five competencies identified by the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) as necessary to successful work performance. These are the ability to: identify, plan, and allocate resources; work with others, acquire and use information, understand complex interrelationships, and work with a variety of technologies. Training will range from 40 to 120 hours.

Receptionist Training Program
This program focuses on vocationally-bound students. They learn to function professionally at a reception desk, information desk, call center, or switchboard. Training topics include:

• Operation of multi-line telephone systems
• Effective call handling
• Operation of the TTY or TDD for the deaf
• Use of the relay service for the deaf
• Operations of intercom systems
• Handwriting
• Message taking
• Call prioritization
• Appointment scheduling
• Customer service skills
• Business phone etiquette
• The importance of voice tone and creating positive public images
• Public relations and ambassadorship
• The importance of appropriate interpersonal communications
• Keyboarding
• Understanding of importance of proper handling of telephone calls
• Understanding the psychology of telephone use, including action/reaction
• Duration of training is four weeks

Job development and placement are the services necessary for finding jobs which will meet the clients' and employers' needs. A successful job match requires a systematic method of identifying and contacting employers, evaluating workplace requirements and employer expectations, and matching a client to that need. This requires that the job developer have intimate knowledge of the client's ability to perform satisfactorily on the job. For that reason, the job developer will also conduct job readiness training. A job analysis will be conducted on each job developed to identify specific skills required. On-site training will be provided if such need is identified. Services will range from 20 to 240 hours.