Employment Services
Employment represents a critical step to achieving the self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and social support systems that can dramatically impact rehabilitation.
Over the past decade, studies have shown that the key to long-term stability is a combination of mental health and addiction treatment, education – and employment. The personal gains from employment are immeasurable and include: financial stability and self-sufficiency; structure and meaningful daily activity; a healthy social environment and an opportunity for positive peer relationships; a sense of accomplishment, hope and possibility.
Why Hire Project 180 Clients?
The success of our program relies on the partnership between our clients and their community. Professional employment opportunities increase the likelihood that the individuals we work with will become productive members of society – a benefit to all taxpayers.
Thanks in part to the Federal Workforce Investment Act and the efforts of California’s Employment Development Department, there are also financial incentives for employers who hire individuals with mental health disabilities. Tax credits, federal bonding, and on-the-job training allowances can defray the costs typically associated with new hires.
Some of the benefits allowed by employers include:
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The WOTC promotes the hiring of individuals who qualify as members of target groups (including individuals convicted of a felony), by providing a federal tax credit incentive of up to $9,600 for employers who hire them.
- Empowerment Zone/Renewal Community Tax Incentives
An incentive to retain or hire individuals who both live and work in an Empowerment Zone or a Renewal Community. Parts of Los Angeles County are eligible for annual tax credits up to $3,000 per qualified employee in an Empowerment Zone and up to $1,500 in a Renewal Community.
- Federal Fidelity Bonds
Fidelity bonding services (up to $10,000) help alleviate employers’ concerns in hiring ex-offenders and at-risk job applicants.
Want to be an Employer for Our Clients?
Since the interests and experience of our clients is varied, our employers are as diverse as our clients. We offer employment opportunities ranging from clerical, warehouse, customer service, sales, retail, food service, construction, and beyond. Regardless of whether you are a corporate organization or a family run business, offering part-time, full-time or temporary work, our Employment Specialists would be happy to speak with you to explore placement opportunities.
The Project 180 Employment Specialists work with each client to ensure that our job-ready individuals have the means and drive to be both reliable and valuable additions to the workplace they join. Additionally, our Employment Specialists are available to employers providing assistance, as needed, to make sure there is a smooth transition into the workplace for each new employee. In many cases, the Employment Specialists develop a relationship with employers so that they can be an on-going resource for support, ensuring that the employee/employer experience is positive for all involved. Interested employers should be insured, located in the Greater Los Angeles area and be accessible by public transportation.
For more information on the benefits of Supportive Employment, please contact:
Andrea Applegate
Supportive Education & Employment Specialist
213-620-5712 ext. 135
aapplegate@project180la.com
