Description of Service

This service provides high school students with the tools and resources needed to continue their education and/or employment journeys.

Per Opportunities for Ohioans (OOD) guidelines, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are “provided to students with disabilities and are used to improve the transition of students from school to postsecondary education and/or an employment outcome. Pre-ETS include the following five different sub-categories: 1) Counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities, 2) Job Exploration Counseling, 3) Instruction in Self-Advocacy, 4) Work Based Learning, and 5) Workplace Readiness Training.” Over the course of several months, a Capabilities Career Consultant meets in-person or virtually with the student to provide the service on an individual or group basis.

What does the Service Look Like?

Counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities: During these sessions, you learn about the enrollment/admissions process for comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education such as: course offerings, career options, the types of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace, and postsecondary opportunities associated with career fields or pathways. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also reviewed in addition to other resources (e.g. scholarships) that may be used to support your success in education and training, which could include disability support services.

Job Exploration Counseling: During these sessions, you learn about in-demand industry sectors and occupations, as well as non-traditional employment, labor market composition, and your career pathways of interest. Your Career Consultant assesses your knowledge of where you are in the career planning process and helps you identify potential employment goals by utilizing Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ). Informational interviews are also completed with employees in an industry you are interested in exploring to offer valuable insight into specific careers.

Instruction in Self-Advocacy: During these sessions, you learn skills needed for greater independence, focusing on your rights, responsibilities, and how to disclose your disability and/or request accommodations or services and supports needed during the transition from secondary to postsecondary education and/or employment. You discuss your thoughts, concerns, and needs in order to prepare for peer mentoring opportunities with individuals working in your areas of interest. Networking opportunities through peer mentoring groups or community networks you are interested in are also addressed.

Work Based Learning: During these sessions, you experience and gain knowledge about the workplace. In a group setting, items addressed may include coordinating school-based job training, informational interviews to research employers, work site tours to learn about necessary job skills, job shadowing, and/or mentoring opportunities in the community. 

Workplace Readiness Training: During these sessions, you improve your social and independent living skills through learning about topics in the following four areas: 

  • Professional Skills – Workplace communication (written and verbal) with peers/supervisors, appropriate work ethics, teamwork, networking, health/safety, basic customer service, business organization/hierarchy, job seeking skills, and understanding employer expectations
  • Personal Skills – Social and interpersonal skills development, enthusiasm/attitude, integrity, personal responsibility, time management, self-management, and life-long learning
  • Internet – Safety and self-representation online, social media and its potential impact on job searches, how to conduct online job searches, filling out online applications, and telephone etiquette
  • Independent Living – Financial literacy and management, budgeting, hygiene/dress, community access, transportation, household management, orientation and mobility

Benefits

For the Job Seeker: Students who receive this service will be better prepared to continue their education and/or employment journeys.

For the Employer: As we assist more individuals with preparing to enter into the workforce, employers will see an increase in quality candidates who are eager to seek employment and who will be dedicated to the role they are applying for.

For the Funding Source: Experienced and seasoned Capabilities staff are carefully selected to work closely with the students; as we also provide job placement and retention services, this demonstrates our seamless and comprehensive approach to guiding people on their journey to pursuing higher education and/or competitive employment.