School to Life

Ready to Work?

As students get ready to leave high school, employment is an immediate concern. Ideally, their high school transition has included preparation for the world of work. They may have been testing the waters by holding part-time or summer jobs, work-related volunteer activities, or internships. When it's time to plan ahead for full-time work, here are some points to keep in mind:

First, meet with an employment specialist (through your local school or DVR office) who can provide a foundation for on-going career exploration, job readiness preparation, and job placement efforts. The employment specialist can help facilitate job readiness workshops, develop a bank of employers interested in meeting prospective young workers, and refer them to volunteer and internship opportunities as well as paid job openings.

When meeting with an employment specialist, discuss the following points, as suggested by "Adaptations, The Young Adult Life Skills Network," in New York.

The initial meeting or intake session should include:

  • In-depth exploration of work history
  • Analysis of job tasks performed
  • Assessment of performance of job tasks
  • Assessment of motivation/interest in performing job tasks
  • Reasons for taking and leaving jobs
  • Identification of strengths and weaknesses
  • Exploration of difficulties in job performance
  • Exploration of career interests

After the initial session, further meetings may take place to identify job skills and relate them to potential jobs and careers. The goal is to enhance the young person's ability to present him/herself as confidently and articulately as possible to an interviewer.

Follow-up meetings focus on job readiness activities, including:

  • Resume writing and/or revamping
  • Mock interviewing
  • Job referrals and placement
  • Instruction in Internet job search or databases

Very few people spend a lifetime in the same job so remember, you can return to the steps above for a refresher course whenever a young person looks for another job in the future.

Social Security's Ticket-to-Work

Ticket To Work is a Social Security Administration employment support programs for persons with disabilities who want to work.

On the Social Security work website, information is available about service providers who offer training, other vocational rehabilitation and employment support services to assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for and find jobs. You also can link to information about the safety net of work incentives that Social Security beneficiaries can use to keep their cash benefits and health insurance coverage as they begin working and progress in employment.

Transition to Employment Program of the Disabilities Rights Network serves Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties: 1-800-692-7443, ext. 309

PA Department of Health Transition Checklist 

Office of Mental Retardation

The Office of Mental Retardation (OMR) is the gatekeeper of services for adults with mental retardation. Call your OMR Administrative Office for contact information for your Base Service Unit. Verify with your BSU that your child's case file is open and active. It is not the responsibility of the school district to register your child with agencies serving adults.