The Career Network was founded in 1994 and helps over 200 New Yorkers annually. It is not your typical employment service because it is not a "train and place" program. Instead, it couples a work-first model with a unique philosophy that any client who wants to work can, regardless of any barriers to employment he or she may have. In fact the program especially focuses on people with multiple barriers to employment. It is not uncommon for participants to have physical disabilities, mental illness, criminal histories, long stretches of homelessness, and no or limited work histories. At the Career Network, the top priority is helping individuals to find work and providing them with the support they need to reach their immediate job goals.

Wendy maintains that no two days are exactly alike at the Career Network. The individuals she works with have very interesting, colorful - albeit difficult - and diverse backgrounds.

"There’s not a ‘typical’ client," said Wendy. "It’s fascinating learning about people’s different hopes and dreams."

The program is based on the Supported Employment model, one of the many evidence based practices in use at CUCS. This means Wendy and other employment specialists work with their clients every step of the way, for as long as necessary, from identifying suitable positions to helping an employee adjust to a new work environment.

A typical day for Wendy begins with getting to know new participants and following up with active ones. Her initial interviews are a process of helping to determine the type of job an individual is interested in and his or her qualifications.

Wendy said, "More often than not people underestimate what they are able to do or have limited their interests." If a client has expressed interest in working at a nonprofit, she’ll demonstrate how to search postings on Idealist.org, a career site devoted to the nonprofit sector. She might have a morning meeting with a participant who is working on a cover letter for a particular job.

"In many cases resumes and cover letters are an important part of finding a job," said Wendy. "And most of our clients need guidance in putting these together. Unfortunately, many have very rusty or limited writing skills."

For others, the main obstacle is sometimes the face-to-face interaction with prospective employers. A significant part of an employment specialist’s day can be spent "canvassing," where the specialist and the participant walk into businesses as a team. For example Wendy would introduce herself and might say, "I see you have a help wanted sign in the window for a custodian. This is John and he has experience as a janitor at a hospital."

"Many of our clients have been homeless, or marginalized in some form or fashion. Just being out there, approaching employers, being a part of the social fabric of the community, is a huge step," she said. "It also is useful to helping participants get a feel for what a potential working environment might be like and to determine if it’s is a workplace they can see themselves in."

"Canvassing also enables us to make connections and possibly form long term working relationships with employers in the community," said Wendy.

Wendy has learned getting a job is often a "bruising" and competitive process, particularly in this economy, and approaching an employer is a significant milestone especially if you haven’t worked in a very long time. Job fairs are another way of finding employment and an employment specialist will often take clients along. Wendy noted, "The nice thing about job fairs is they let our clients view the competitive job market."

The Career Network also helps participants with their interview skills, such as sitting up straight and making eye contact. One client had to be coached to stay on topic during interviews, not to talk too long and not to divulge too much of his personal history. He would often begin talking about himself by describing his illness. For many Career Network clients, their illness or circumstances are their identity because it’s what they have focused on for years.

One participant, George, came to the Career Network hoping to find a job in the food service industry because he once held a job at a bakery. He is HIV positive and also has Bipolar Disorder and had been in and out of shelters and transitional housing for years before moving into a building where CUCS provides services. George and his employment specialist spent three months canvassing for food service jobs but kept coming up empty. When that happens, Wendy said clients can get very discouraged. Employment specialists point out that it’s tough for everyone right now, not just for them, and they work with them to devise an effective plan. In George’s case, he wound up taking a job with a telemarketing company, where he is still working today.

Currently Wendy is working with a client named Carolyn who has spinabifida and is in a wheelchair. Wendy said Carolyn came to the Career Network hoping to work in retail.

"We’re working on her confidence," said Wendy. "I remind her what an accomplishment it is just to interview for a job. I’ll spend the whole day with her, just being a source of support."

The role of a CUCS Employment Specialist is unique and, as Wendy says is a "combination of employment specialist and social worker."

Wendy is still working with Carolyn to find a job. She said her spirits however remain high.

"That’s where being a cheerleader comes in. It can be a rough process to go through and half the battle is often just staying at it."

For more information on the career Network, click here.