Employment Services

Job matches made through JVS Job Club
 It’s a tough economy with many people struggling to find employment. Just think what it would be like to find a job if you have disability with which to deal. Jewish Vocational Service makes that daunting task a bit easier for those with disabilities. Through its employment services, JVS helps individuals with disabilities or who face other employment barriers gain the skills necessary to find and secure a job. Referred by state vocational rehabilitation services, clients meet with JVS staff members who work with them weekly on job development/placement assistance such as short-term job coaching and case management. The JVS Employment Services is the Job Club takes place in four-week sessions. Each Wednesday, the JVS Job Club meets with clients who have been referred through state vocational rehabilitation services. The Job Club provides one-on-one, hands-on training and skill building so the client can land a job. Participants learn how to:
·         complete a job application
·         apply for a job on line
·         write cover letters and thank you notes
·         dress and professionally interview for a position
·         create a master application
·         Prepare and write a professional resume.

As part of the Job Club, guest employers come to give a realistic picture of the job-seeking process. Some guests even do mock interviews with clients providing important feedback to them in their search process.  
            Networking opportunities in the Job Club have led to prospective job leads. JVS staff members also serve as advocates for their clients should they run into difficulties on the job.  JVS stays in the picture for an additional 90 days after a client obtains job with weekly contact to make sure that they are satisfied in their job and that their employer is providing adequate training. Staff follows up to see if any special accommodations are needed to help the client on the job in order to be successful.
            “JVS did an excellent job for me,” said Job Club participant Jill Santero. “I learned a lot at Job Club, and I got the first job that JVS recommended me for.”
“My employment specialist gives me encouragement and keeps searching and believing that I can obtain employment in spite of my disability,” said Angela Williams, another participant. “I am sure that many others will be able to benefit from JVS’ Employment Services.”
            JVS has helped clients get employment in many vocations including nursing, food service, tax examiner, recruiter, designer and as a data transcriber. Since January of 2010, the job retention rate for JVS clients in their new positions has run on average between 80 to 90 percent. The JVS Job Club has reduced the time it takes for clients to obtain employment after they start one-on-one meetings their employment specialist.
            The agency is always seeking job leads from area businesses and other organizations. JVS can also assist these groups with their recruiting needs, free of charge. For more information on the employment services at JVS, please contact Diana Eakright, Manager of Employment Services, at (816) 471-2808, ext. 1172 or email deakrigh@jvskc.org.

The JVS Rehabilitation Employment Services (ES) assists individuals with disabilities learn how to find and keep a job. Persons served are referred to the ES program through the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Kansas and Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) and the Veterans Administration (VA). The Employment Services Program at JVS assists individuals by providing specialized employment services to obtain vocational goals that are person-centered and appropriate to the individual’s interests and abilities. Group participation in the form of a Job Club and individual appointments are available to the individuals served.

The Employment Services (ES) Program offers:

  • Job Seeking Skills Training
  • Job Site Analysis
  • Job Matching
  • Job Development/Placement Assistance
  • Short-term Job Coaching
  • On or Off-Site Follow Along Services
  • Job Retention
  • Case Management
  • Employer Services

During orientation/intake, an Individualized Plan of Employment is developed with each person’s input and interests utilized for the development of their own vocational goals.

As part of our placement service, JVS helps those we serve develop a resume and cover letter, we teach about job applications, interviewing skills, and work with individuals to find appropriate employment opportunities.

JVS also provides job retention services to assure that an individual can make a satisfactory transition into their new job. Depending on the individual’s needs, short-term job coaching is available during the initial training period of the new job. Follow-up services are provided for 90 days to ensure successful retention of employment. Limited case management is available, and, if needed, Community Resource referrals are made, and, when necessary, referrals are made to JVS Social Work Program for more intense case management/counseling services.

If you are an employer and would like more information about interviewing and hiring JVS candidates, click here.

The ES staff does have the ability to assist bi-lingual (Spanish) consumers. For information please call 816-471-2808 or contact a staff member by email:

Diana Eakright, Manager of Employment Services
Ashley Wood, ES Employment Specialist
Desiree Skinner, ES Employment Specialist

Additional Resources
http://www.missouribusiness.net/career/