Workability III Services - Center for Deaf Studies and Special Services
Workability III (WAIII) is a special program funded by the State of California Department of Rehabilitation. The main purpose of the program is provide vocational training, resources and employment assistance to qualified Deaf or Disabled Clients of the Department of Rehabilitation. If you are an Employer and are thinking about hiring, contact Sue Owen at sowen@ohlone.edu.
Overview
The Workability III program gives students the opportunity to participate in pre-vocational assessment, pre-employment skills training, on-site work experience, and competitive job placement.
The main requirement for students is that the person must have a open file with the (Vocational Rehabilitation) Department of Rehabilitation Counselor. If you don't have an open file you can apply for services at your local Department of Rehabilitation office.
After the student is admitted to the program, they will:
- Receive an assessment to document skills, aptitudes & services needed.
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Receive an individualized program based on the assessment, interests, goals and employment & academic histories.
Upon completion of the intake process, students can enroll in three semester certificate programs. The classes are taught by a Vocational Education Instructor. All students participating in the certificate program also are required to participate in work internships programs. Most internships which may be on or off campus, are unpaid & continue throughout the full semester.Job coaches are provided on site for the benefit of both the client and supervisor.
Clients can receive:
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Training on the application process and resume writing.
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Interview skills assessment and video tape practice.
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Information on how to obtain and utilize sign language interpreters and real-time captioners.
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Information about the Amercian with Disabilities Act, SSI, and other work related services.
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Exposure to a variety of job sites, job search techniques, and business professionals.
Employment Resources for Students
Students who are job ready are referred to the Job Placement Specialist. Individualized, specialized job placement is offered to these students, as well as job seeking skills training and job club activities. Once students are placed in employment, follow up and transition services are provided to students by the Job Coaches.
A unique part of the Workability III program is the cooperative work experience offered to all students. Participants are offered training options depending on their vocational interests and aptitudes. The Employment Developer and the Job Placement Specialist work closely together to establish work site experiences for students that often lead to full time employment once the students have completed the Workability III Program.
Students with open cases are from the Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, Edgewater, San Jose, Pleasant Hill, and San Francisco Districts.
Deaf or Hard of Hearing students that are also being served by the Department of Rehabilitation that have significant barriers to employment. Students with other primary disabilities will be working with the DSPS program on campus as well.
All job ready students after qualifying, will receive specialized intake, job related counseling, pre-employment classes, job seeking workshops, job try out, individual and group job coaching, job preparation, placement, job retention, and follow up.
If you have questions about qualifications, contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. If you don't know who is your counselor, check the Department of Rehabilitation website.
Program Staff
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 Martha Brown
Workability Coordinator
Voice (510) 659-6299
TDD (510) 659-6048
mbrown@ohlone.edu
B.A., University of Illinois
M.A., Northern Illinois University
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 Claire Ellis
Counselor/Vocational Rehabilitation Liaison
(Department of Rehabilitation Liason)
TDD (510) 659-7326
cellis@ohlone.edu
B.S., Gallaudet University
M.S., San Francisco State University
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Narda Mamou
(Interim) Job Placement Specialist
Voice (510) 659-6168
TTY (510) 659-7317
nmamou@ohlone.edu
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Provides Career Exploration information and services, work site adjustments, informational interviews, and workshops.
- Provides individual job search help to students including resume update, applications and interview practice, use of special adaptive equipment for employment.
- Provides Job Placement services to job ready students, and follow along to ensure job retention.
- Maintains contacts with career-related organizations and Vocational Rehabilitation
(Department of Rehabilitation)
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Open Position
Job Placement Specialist
- Provides Career Exploration information and services, work site adjustments, informational interviews, and workshops.
- Provides individual job search help to students including resume update, applications and interview practice, use of special adaptive equipment for employment.
- Provides Job Placement services to job ready students, and follow along to ensure job retention.
- Maintains contacts with career-related organizations and Vocational Rehabilitation
(Department of Rehabilitation)
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Danny Navarrete
(Interim) Employment Developer
Voice/TTY (510) 659-6040
dnavarrete@ohlone.edu
- Provides Job Preparation training at Ohlone, in the field and at Fremont and Hayward Vocational Rehabilitation (Department of Rehabilitation) Offices.
- Develop work contracts between WAIII Participants and local businesses.
- Coordinate with Vocational Rehabilitation (Department of Rehabilitation)
- Provide technical and functional assistance between clients and employers.
- Train clients on the job in employee protocol, team work, productivity, and quality work performance.
- Assist clients with transition into full-time employment, including help with independent living skills as related to successful job retention.
- Interface with other work experience programs at Ohlone College.
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Open Position
Job Coach
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Provide individual task analysis and training to Department of Rehabilitation or WAIII clients in the program.
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Train Workability III clients in basic on-the-job employee rules, team work, productivity and quality performance skills.
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Provide follow along services for Workability III clients during employment.
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Establish and maintain a professional relationship with referral sources, employers, parents, care providers, and others.
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Jona Burdett
(Interim) Program Assistant
Voice (510) 979-7555
TTY (510) 979-7454
jburdett@ohlone.edu
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Develop and maintain client files and reports.
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Coordinate referrals with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
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