Photo of businessman in wheelchair talking to woman standing.

 

 

Summer Youth Programs

Our summer programs introduce high school age

students to the world of work through group participation

at Central Ohio businesses, as well as through classes

held at our facility.

The five-week Summer Youth Work-experience

program runs from June through July each year.

Participants work approximately 16 hours per week,

Monday through Friday and are paid a training stipend.

As a program participant, you are held accountable to the same rules and regulations as employees at the work site. You will learn work related skills such as clocking in and out, how to accomplish specific tasks, problem solving and appropriate socialization on the job—all with the help of a Job Coach from Greenleaf.

The Greenleaf Life Skills Camp helps students with learning life skills as they prepare for independence as an adult.   Our one week summer camp teaches money management, interaction with others in public places, meal planning, doing laundry, and much more.  Students will learn in a fun, hands on atmosphere.  Life Skills Camp is the first step to becoming better prepared for life as a working adult.

The Rising Stars program was designed to help youth develop their personal leadership skills, and to fully develop constructive goals for becoming contributing members of society.  Leadership is essential in enabling youth to develop character, confidence, and values that promote healthy behavior and lead to better vocational success as an adult.

Job Placement and Coaching

At Greenleaf, we specialize in helping you find and assimilate into a successful employment situation. Our TEAM approach is very successful:

  • A Program Developer will co-actively develop goals with you by combining skills, interests and employment requirements
  • You will create an organized plan for your job search
  • Your effort in working your job plan is critical and so is ours
  • We talk with potential employers to locate possible job openings
  • You will meet with us regularly to discuss potential job leads
  • You will receive follow-along support during your first 90 days on the job
  • Once you begin working, on-site Job Coaching is available for help in transitioning into your new job

Greenleaf's Job Club is offered exclusively to individuals participating in job placement programing.  Job Club meets every Tuesday from 9:00 - 11:00 at our facility.  You will find support from other job seekers, lively discussions on related topics such as how or when to discuss your disability in an interview, how to job search, appropriate interview topics, etc.

Training and Preparation for Job Seekers

“Getting a job, IS your job!” is the philosophy of the Job Seeking Skills Training Program. As a participant in this program, you will work to discover useful techniques and skills to help you find appropriate and rewarding employment.

You may choose any combination of a variety of training modules offered, creating your own individualized program. The programs are offered at our offices and are time well spent.

Training Modules include:

  • Interviewing Skills:

    This module covers the essential interviewing skills including how to discuss a disability and the corresponding accommodations. Techniques are explained that will help the consumer appropriately sell himself/herself to an employer. This module also provides numbers and contacts for services the consumer may be interested in learning more about. A letter to obtain interview clothing is provided if available and needed.

    Empowerment Training:

    This module helps the consumer determine appropriate ways to take ownership of his or her life. A questionnaire is used to help consumers identify their career and life goals and how the two are related. Consumers will also participate in role-playing activities designed to empower them in difficult situations. They will learn about responsibility and how to be an effective advocate for their own personal and professional needs.

    This module helps the consumer discover how strengths, talents, and interests play an important role in finding appropriate employment. The consumer will learn what jobs are best suited to his or her own unique skills by taking a Self-Directed Search assessment. 

     

    How to Conduct the Job Search:                                                  

    After the consumer has developed a résumé and necessary job skills, this module shows where to actually look for jobs. This includes researching companies, surfing the internet, looking through newspapers and phone books, and networking. The consumer learns new networking skills and develops a list of accomplishments that can be used to aid their job search. This module is designed to help the consumer learn about managing time involved in the search, how to keep track of his activities, and how to identify what amount of net pay will be needed to support his/her lifestyle. The overall goal is to develop a system to enable the consumer reach their financial goals and be more productive.

    How to Market Yourself:

    This module teaches the consumer how to put his/her “best foot forward.” They learn how to set themselves apart from the crowd with tips on business etiquette, attitude and appearance; and through their résumés, cover letters and referrals.

    Mock Interviews:

    This module allows the consumer to practice the interview. These sessions are videotaped so the consumer can observe themselves and view the situation from the employer’s perspective. This provides immediate feedback to improve interviewing skills from the interviewer, the trainer and the consumer. They also complete an application as if applying for a job.

Not sure what type of Job to look for? 

The Interest Inventory assists you with determining appropriate and viable vocational goals that will lead to successful employment.  The inventory assesses interests, levels of motivation and personality characteristics, in combination with reasoning powers, technology and general clerical skills.

Community Based Assessment Programs also increase your opportunity for future job success by assessing your positive work skills and behaviors. This is done through task performance in a real life community work setting, or by assessing several areas of vocational interest at a variety of community locations.

Wish someone would just give you a chance?

The Job Tryout Program combines training, skills assessment and job placement all in one program. You’ll have the opportunity to work for a potential employer for 3 weeks before the employer makes a hiring decision. You’ll get paid for your work and have a chance to prove you'll be an outstanding employee.