Employment Services Program
ESP focuses on equipping DOR consumers with the necessary skills to pursue competitive employment opportunities that align with their Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). Services are offered in both English and Spanish, with additional support in vocational English when needed, to ensure effective communication and training.
Eligibility
- Individuals with a documented diagnosis of mental illness by Imperial County Behavioral Health Services and Department of Rehabilitation.
- Must be resident of Imperial County.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Available and ready to work.
The staff at the ESP Department offers workshops for:
- Work behavior, self-assurance and self-image.
- How to administer time and improve work ethics.
- Job interview techniques and presentation.
- Mock interviews.
- How to create cover letter, resumes, and fill out employment applications.
- Referral to prospective employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the Employment Services Program (ESP)?
The objective of the program is to provide ESP program participants with effective and realistic employment opportunities through assistance with preparation, obtained and retention of unsubsidized employment.
Who is eligible for ESP?
There are four requirements that must be met before individuals become eligible for ESP:
1. Individuals must have a documented diagnosis of
mental Illness by the Imperial County Behavioral
Health Services and by the Department of
Rehabilitation.
2. Individuals must be residents of County of Imperial.
3. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older.
4. Individuals must be available and ready to work.How does someone become a client of ESP?
To become a client of ESP, and individual must be registered with Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS). Once ICBHS Determines an individual is job ready, they are then referred to the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). DOR will create an Individual Service Plan and issue a referral/authorization for enrollment into the Employment Services Program.
What type of employment skills does ESP teach its clients?
Interview Techniques, Resume Development, Application Preparation, Appropriate work behaviors and work ethics, relevant work practices, Appropriate grooming and hygiene, assistance in becoming knowledgeable regarding the impact, of employment on the client and their disability. Assist with benefits planning related to employment, Identification of additional support services such as meeting transportation, childcare or other needs.
Does ESP assist its clients with Job Development, Placement and Retention?
Upon determination of a client’s preparedness to engage in job search activities, the ICWTC job Placement Specialist and the DOR/ICBHS consumer will collaborate in the following activities as guided by the Individual Service Plan.
Identification of specific job openings appropriate for the individual.
Contact of employers to identify job openings.
Obtaining information detailing qualifications and work site requirements for specific job opportunities to ensure applicant readiness and success on the job.
Job site consultation to identify or modify barriers.
Negotiating job carving, work site analysis or other job accommodations.
Assisting client in the interviewing process.
Assist client in coordinating transportation needs.
Provision of job clubs or tools to assist in job search.
Upon Job Placement:Job destination training.
Job orientation assistance.
Information on condition of employment, such as:
Job duties and job description
Performance expectations
Name of immediate supervisor
Responsibilities of the employee
Wage payment practices
Benefits
Company policies and procedures including conflict
Resolution procedures and health and safety practices
Probation and performance evaluation procedures
Union status, as appropriate.When does participation end for a client in ESP?
When a client is hired and has maintained his or her employment for 90 days or more, he or she is successfully discharged from ESP.
