The Clubhouse offers its own Transitional Employment program, which provides as a right of membership opportunities for members to work on job placements in the labor market. As a defining characteristic of a Clubhouse Transitional Employment program, the Clubhouse guarantees coverage on all placements during member absences. In addition the Transitional Employment program meets the following basic criteria.

a. The desire to work is the single most important factor determining placement opportunity.

b. Placement opportunities will continue to be available regardless of the level of success in previous placements.

c. Members work at the employer’s place of business.

d. Members are paid the prevailing wage rate, but at least minimum wage, directly by the employer.

e. Transitional Employment placements are drawn from a wide variety of job opportunities.

f. Transitional Employment placements are part-time and time-limited, generally 12 to 20 hours per week and from six to nine months in duration.

g. Selection and training of members on Transitional Employment is the responsibility of the Clubhouse, not the employer.

h. Clubhouse members and staff prepare reports on TE placements for all appropriate agencies dealing with members’ benefits.

i. Transitional Employment placements are managed by Clubhouse staff and members and not by TE specialists.

j. There are no TE placements within the Clubhouse. Transitional Employment placements at an auspice agency must be off site from the Clubhouse and meet all of the above criteria.

Current Transitional Employment Opportunities:

• Tilghman Street Goodwill Thrift Store– Utility Associate-   three days per week, 5 hours each day; Please see Kristen if you are interested.
• Whitehall Goodwill Thrift Store– Utility Associate-   three days per week, 5 hours each day; Please see Michelle if you are interested.
• Steve Shannon Tires- Custodian- flexible schedule 15 hours per week; Please see Chris if you are interested.

Supported Employment 

The Clubhouse offers its own Supported and Independent Employment Programs to assist members to secure, sustain, and better their employment. As a defining characteristic of Clubhouse Supported Employment, the Clubhouse maintains a relationship with the working member and the employer. Members and staff in partnership determine the type, frequency and location of desired supports.

Independent Employment 

Members who are working independently continue to have available all Clubhouse supports and opportunities as well as participation in evening and weekend programs. We currently have at least 150 members working independently.

Transitional Employment News

Candice Y. continues to excel at the Goodwill Tilghman Street Store. Angel R. began his TE experience on 9/12 and Andy H. began on 9/18.

Robert N. is working very hard at the group TE in the Goodwill Keystone Area Whitehall Store. Chris A joined this team on 9/12. Chris K. began on 9/14.

Dale R. continues to exceed all expectations at Steve Shannon Tires. He is our first TE ever at this site.

Supported Employment News

Doug H. recently completed his TE at the Goodwill Keystone Area Tilghman Street store. He did so well at this position that they wanted to keep him. Doug is now receiving SE from the Clubhouse to ensure his continued success at his now permanent position.

Elizabeth MP; Bryce G.; and Martha G. are all members who went through the TE program at the Goodwill Keystone Area Whitehall Store and are now working permanently at that same store.  Mel S is also working at this store and receiving SE from the Clubhouse.

Devin M. and Matt P. continue to work at Lehigh Valley Logistics.

We are creating employment profiles for members interested in working. Members can come in and fill out the Profile and Vocational self assessment and it will soon be on our website for your convenience. Just complete the assessment and drop it off at the clubhouse. This will help us to find work suited to the needs of our membership.

Job Board Information: The Clubhouse has a job board outside of the employment room and next to the OVR room. Members are encouraged to check this for employment as often as possible. If you find a position that interests you please feel free to apply on your own or ask staff for assistance. This board also contains information about current job fairs in the area.

Resources: Clubhouse staff and members are also good resources for employment opportunities. They will help you with computer job searches, resume writing and completing online job applications.

Member Testimonials: Members interested in Transitional Employment need to be registered with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Please see any staff for the application or contact OVR directly (Jenan Barghouthi) at 610-821-6441 ext 3106.

The Clubhouse of Lehigh County and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) have been working together since February 2003. OVR provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain employment, OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Services are provided on an individual basis. The OVR counselor during face to face interviews, assists customers in selecting their choice of vocational goals, services and service providers. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) developed, outlining a vocational objective; providers and responsibilities – certain services are subject to a Financial Needs Test (FNT) and may require financial participation by the customer, Counseling and guidance, diagnostic services, assessments information and referral, job development and placement and personal services such as readers or sign language interpreters are provided at no cost to the individual.

Our Clubhouse also assists members who are returning to work or may be working for the first time begin the Ticket to Work Program. Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. The program helps individuals with disabilities earn enough so they will not need to rely on Social Security cash benefits.

For individuals who are dually diagnosed (both an intellectual disability and mental health diagnosis) we can offer employment supports through waiver funding via our auspice agency Goodwill Keystone Area.  Please contact our director at (610)433-9910 x202 for more information.