Getting Started
Candidates: Get Hired
Interested in finding a job with help from CIS? Email info@cisworks.org or call 215-238-7411.
Finding a job with CIS is an individualized experience based on your skills and interests, so everyone’s path to employment will look a little different.
Your path might include:
An Intake Meeting
Meet with CIS staff members for an in-depth look at your background, work history, community involvement, strengths, and preferences. Supports coordinators, family, and other team members are encouraged to attend this initial meeting to provide input. Finding person-centered employment works best with strong team involvement.
Community Based Work Assessments
CWBA’s give the opportunity to try out jobs of interest at actual worksites in the community. You work alongside a CIS Assessment Training Specialist, who evaluates each individual’s work skills and potential job matches.
Job Development
An assigned CIS Business Development Specialist will lead the job development process for each jobseeker. Develop a resume, connect with employers in the community, and participate in job interviews to find opportunities that match your skills and preferences. Jobseekers may also participate in ‘Mock Interviews’ to hone their interview skills, and connect to community and business resources.
Discovery
Discovery is a more in-depth exploration process that begins with the individual’s home and community life. Using observation as a valuable tool in assessing skills and interests, Discovery helps us determine a person’s conditions for employment success. As strengths and preferences become apparent, you will participate in informational interviews, a process that allows you to speak with professionals and get a better understanding of your desired field of employment.
Travel Training
It’s important to be able to get to your job reliably, safely, and independently. CIS provides travel training to help you learn public transportation routes, and access other available community transportation options.
Benefits Training
Jobseekers can meet with a CIS Benefits Counselor during any point in the employment search process to help review and clarify Social Security and other benefits you receive or may be eligible for. Our team of Certified Benefits Counselors work with individuals and families to determine the best way to make benefits and employment income work for you.
Job Seekers’ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this process take and when can I start working?
It varies. We always do our best to find you a job as quickly as possible, but before the job search begins, we have to consider your potential funding options, which can include Medicaid Waiver, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, a school district, private funding, or Ticket to Work. We know that everyone who comes through the doors at CIS is eager to get to work! We will make the process as engaging, smooth, and quick as possible.
How does CIS help me determine the right path for me?
With Community Based Work Assessments or the Discovery process, CIS helps you evaluate your strengths and preferences so we can find the right job match. Most jobseekers tell us their new job is a great fit. If your job ends up not being right for you, we will work with you to find a different job.
Do you offer job training?
We believe that everyone arrives at CIS ready to work. CIS will provide on-the-job training, and will help you become accustomed to the workplace. However, CIS does NOT provide specialized pre-training to learn new skills. CIS focuses on employment based on each individual’s current strengths and abilities.
What is "job coaching", and how long do I need a coach?
A job coach’s role is to help you understand and excel at your job tasks. Your CIS team will include one primary job coach, who serves as your main contact, and a small team of other support staff. All CIS staff members have received training and clearances.
Your coach might come to orientation with you, help you talk to your manager, help you master a specific task, or help you advocate for yourself in the workplace. Our goal is for you to be able to work as independently as possible, and we will “fade” coaching gradually so that both you and your employer feel confident about your work.
How will going to work affect my benefits?
Every case is different, and CIS has a team of certified Benefits Counselors to help you explore all of your options. Generally, CIS job-seekers find that after working with our Benefits Counselors, their monthly income has actually increased through a combination of work money and government benefits.
Do you provide transportation?
To find a job, each person needs a means of transportation. CIS will help you determine a transportation plan, which may include some supplementary funding options.
Will my extensive or challenging support needs prevent me from getting a job?
We believe that all people are able to work – and all means ALL! CIS uses innovative methods to find creative employment solutions for hundreds of people.