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Employment Services

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EMPLOYMENT

Building a Path to Meaningful Work

Having a job can bring many positive things to a person’s life. Work can provide income, help build new skills, create friendships, and give people a sense of purpose and belonging.

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At Bridges Home & Community Services, we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to explore employment. Our Employment Services help people learn about their strengths, discover career interests, and build the skills needed to find and keep a job.

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Everyone’s path to employment is different. Our team works alongside each individual and their support network to create a plan that fits their goals.

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Career Planning

For individuals who have never worked before, getting started can feel overwhelming. Bridges offers Career Planning to help individuals explore what employment could look like and begin building a path toward meaningful work.

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Career Planning is a guided process focused on learning about each person’s strengths, interests, and goals.

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During this time, individuals meet regularly with a Bridges Career Planner. The Career Planner works closely with the individual and their natural supports. This may include family members, friends, a case manager, or other important people in the person’s life.

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Together, the team talks about future possibilities and identifies steps that can help the individual move toward employment.

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Step 1: Exploration

(Up to 6 months)

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Participants meet regularly with a Bridges Career Planner to talk about interests, skills, and possible career paths.

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During this time, individuals may:

  • Learn about different types of jobs

  • Identify personal strengths and interests

  • Discuss support needs

  • Explore possible workplaces in the community
     

The individual, Career Planner, and their support team continue to meet and have conversations that help build a clear picture of the person’s goals.

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Step 2: Connect with an Employment Specialist

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If the individual decides they would like to continue working toward employment, they can be authorized for Employment Services.

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At this stage, the individual is connected with an Employment Specialist.

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The Employment Specialist works one-on-one with the individual to:

  • Explore job opportunities

  • Build workplace skills

  • Connect with local employers

  • Search for jobs that match the person’s interests and strengths
     

The goal is to find a job that is a good fit for the individual.

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Step 3: Work Support Services
 

Once someone is ready to pursue employment, they may receive Work Support Services.
 

These services help individuals succeed at work by providing support such as:

  • Learning job tasks

  • Building relationships with supervisors and coworkers

  • Developing workplace skills

  • Receiving ongoing guidance while on the job
     

This support helps individuals feel confident and maintain employment over time.

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Continue the Journey

For individuals who want to keep building skills and experiences, Bridges also offers volunteer opportunities.

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Volunteering can be a great way to practice workplace skills, meet new people, and stay active in the community.

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