Resources for your job search
If you are exploring job and career options, you may choose to do it on your own, or you can get help from a professional.
Going it alone
If you’re going it alone, there are several resources to help you in your search, including the information and resources found here at Work Without Limits.
You may also find valuable no-cost resources — including internet tools and software programs — at your public library or local One-Stop Career Center.
You can learn more about these resources and what is available by going to the various links on this Individuals and Families website. Each of the links has explanations of steps in the job finding process and includes very helpful links to further information and tools.
We also suggest reading What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles, an informative book about career exploration.
Working with a professional
If you prefer to work with a professional, seek out a vocational rehabilitation counselor, employment service provider, or career counselor.
He or she can:
- Suggest and administer assessment tools to help identify your likes, dislikes and preferences.
- Assist with your person-centered planning process.
- Determine your need for further education and training.
- Make referrals to education and training programs and help you access funding to pay for these services.
- Assist you with a range of career exploration opportunities including informational interviews and job shadowing opportunities.
State agencies including the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Department of Mental Health and Department of Developmental Services offer information about services. You can also contact your local One-Stop Career Center.
Another community-based employment service is the Employment Now Coalition. They are a cross-disability organization seeking to increase competitive employment of people with disabilities. Their goal is to reduce stigma and promote pro-employment, consumer-focused changes in the employment support and educational systems and other public and private sector policies and practices.
They encourage people to:
- review their resources for job seekers and employers, government agencies, and providers – or see our knowledge bank for an archive of all previous resources & announcements
- check out the recent employment opportunities on our job board
- get involved with the Employment Now Coalition by signing-up for our email alerts
- to learn more about the Employment Now Coalition, or to contact them using the form at the bottom of the About ENC page
The Employment Now Coalition has been made possible thanks to our partners at the Disability Policy Consortium and Work Without Limits.
