Community Employment

BRIDGE COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

THE DETAILS

BRIDGE Community Employment Services (CES):
BRIDGE Community Employment Services (CES) provides individuals the opportunity to choose, obtain, and retain employment in the community with varying degrees of support. We believe that, given the right level of support, every person who receives services at BRIDGE has the potential to work in the community if they desire.

We offer:

Placement assistance
Job coaching
Follow-up services

Our professional team provides an in-depth look at individual’s:

Work interests
Strengths and abilities
Areas of need in the workplace when considering job placements

Each job seeker with disabilities receives an individualized process designed to personalize the employment relationship between a job candidate and an employer in a way that meets the needs of both. It is based on an individuated match between the strengths and interests of a job candidate and the identified business needs of an employer.

BRIDGE works with individuals who qualify for job placement services through funding from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

What is DVR?
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Services provided by DVR:

Job Search and Placement Assistance
Transition to work services for students with disabilities in high school
Supported Employment services for persons with severe disabilities; includes time-limited on-the job training
Rehabilitation Technology, vocational and other training
Disability and Employment Assessment
Occupational licenses, tools and other equipment
Interpreter services
Rehabilitation teaching services
Post-employment services
Other supports

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
3655 Schneider Avenue Southeast
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Phone: 715-232-5660
Click here to being the online referral process.

BRIDGE Community Employment
651 Brakke Drive
Hudson, WI 54016
Contact: Community Employment Services Program Manager – Sally Cranston
Email: sallyc@bridgecl.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I qualify for BRIDGE Community Employment Services?

If you want to work and you have a disability that is a barrier to employment, then you qualify for services.

How do I pay for BRIDGE Community Employment Services?

If you receive services through DVR they will fund employment services.

Do I need to contact DVR to receive BRIDGE Community Employment Services?

Yes. It is the candidates’ responsibility to apply for DVR services. BRIDGE can walk you through this process.

How quickly will I get a job?

There is no set time frame for the employment process. There are many factors to consider before finding a job that matches both the goals of the job candidate and the employer. It’s more important to find a job where you will be successful long-term, than to find a job quickly. BRIDGE will take the time needed to find a successful job placement for YOU.

Why is BRIDGE the best choice for my employment needs?

BRIDGE takes a very individualized approach to the employment process; really understanding each individual’s interest, needs, and abilities.

HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED

I Want to Work!

How Do I get Started?

Step 1: Contact your local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office, Menomonie, Wisconsin. Phone: 715-232-5660

Step 2: Contact BRIDGE to learn about the services we can offer for your job placement

Step 3: Choose BRIDGE as your job placement vendor

Step 4: Set up initial meeting with BRIDGE to discuss employment goals

Step 5: Continue to meet with BRIDGE work toward your employment goals

Step 6: BRIDGE begins to develop a community-based job

Step 7: BRIDGE coordinates job coaching if necessary and continues to support YOU through this process

Step 8: Congratulations on YOUR NEW JOB!

BRIDGE SOFT SKILLS WORKSHOP

BRIDGE Soft Skills Workshop:
(Oct 2022) This workshop is currently on hold
Join us in the spring for our annual BRIDGE Soft Skills Workshop offered to students receiving Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) through special education ages 14-21, their teachers, para-professionals, parents/guardians, and local business owners.

The Workshop offers on-going, coordinated education for individuals with disabilities wanting to work in their community for competitive wages.

Participants experience short breakout sessions focused on soft skills needed to be successful in a job – developing interview skills, learning how to interact with co-workers, using proper phone etiquette, and developing self-advocacy skills.

Local business owners share expertise about the hiring process and offer strategies for employment, and representatives from local resources provide helpful information to students and families on how and when it is best to apply for services.

Contact Kristin to learn to learn more about the BRIDGE Soft Skills Workshop and how you can participate.