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Employment Services:
The UPwards Program

UPwards Employment Services is an employment program for individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis often with multiple barriers to employment:  justice histories, poor work histories, substance abuse and/or limited education.  The UPwards program incorporates components of the supported employment model, an evidence-based practice, that emphasizes quick assessment and job training, collaborative goal setting and job searching, while providing unlimited supportive counseling and resources throughout the job search, placement and beyond.



UPwards provides employment services to anyone motivated and interested in returning to work. UPwards provides a complete array of services and resources, including:
  • a vocational assessment to assess skills, interests and barriers;
  • a complete individualized career plan;
  • a weekly one-hour Job Search Workshop;
  • access to computer lab for basic computer instruction, researching careers, searching for job vacancies and completing on-line applications;
  • individual supportive counseling and job search assistance, and
  • ongoing job search support, after-placement services and future career counseling/educational guidance.



UPwards mission is to make its clients into competitive and marketable job seekers providing them with the necessary resources to support a job search:  voice and email accounts, ½ price metrocards and interview clothing.  Staff works with clients to identify work opportunities that match their skills and experience, to assist them in completing applications, to prepare for interviews, and to support with job leads.  UPwards provides a continuum of care from outreach and assessment to ongoing job retention support.

Clients are referred to UPwards by case managers at various Urban Pathways sites and are recruited from outpatient clinics, mental health day programs, supportive housing residences and shelters.   UPwards provides employment services to anyone motivated and interested in returning to work.



In FY 2012
UPwards Employment Services accomplished the following:
  • 21 people with disabilities employed
  • 200 people assessed for services
  • 75 people attended weekly job search classes
  • 40 individuals enrolled in job search services
  • 6 working computers in lab for on line job search
  • 1 lab monitor to assist UPwards clients



In FY 2013
UPwards Employment Services staff anticipates:
  • 30 people enter part- or full-time employment (45 and 60 in subsequent years)
  • 100 new employer linkages



In need of your assistance:

UPwards program is looking for men’s formal interview ready and casual clothing in larger sizes:
  • Shirts- L, XL, XXL; 17-19” neck
  • Pants- 36W-50W; 33L-42L
  • Suit/Sport Jackets- 44 Reg-54 Reg
  • Shoes- 11-15


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