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Program Steps
Community Works Project (CWP) assists members in building a practical work and personal foundation through job search, skills building, and employment barrier removal assistance to achieve self-sufficiency. ODHS Family Coaches refer members into the program. CWP and ODHS work together to help members MOVE FORWARD.
Life Skills - Developing personal and work foundations
CWP offers inspiring and engaging group classes so you can build the life skills you want for yourself! We offer a wide array of topics ranging from: the art of being; tips for a well-balanced life; time management; conflict resolution; budgeting and saving for the future; finding your passion; relationships; personal growth; letting go; overcoming background barriers, keyboarding lab, and more! We have a different topic every day and are always open to new suggestions, so feel free to click here to explore our current class calendar.
Supported Work - Building skills and employment portfolios
If you are ready to start creating an “Employment Portfolio” (cover letter, resume, reference list) the Supported Work step is for you! With Supported Work, we talk to you about your past experiences, identifying your strengths and the transferable skills you have and what your goals are. To this end, you will find that we offer fun, engaging group classes and one-on-one individualized services in the following areas: career mapping; resume assistance; computer basics; keyboarding lab; vocational training information sessions; cover letter and reference letter assistance; job interview secrets; mock interviews; vision boards; i-Match assistance; and more! We have a different topic every day and are happy to create individualized skill building activities at your request. Click here to see this month’s activities.
Job Search - Ready to work and search for employment
In the Job Search step, you are ready to review your Employment Portfolio with your Employment and Engagement Specialist, and brush up on those resumes, cover letters, references, interview skills and anything else you need to feel confident about your job search. Apart from sharing job leads and job search techniques with you, we can also connect you with exciting on-the-job training opportunities called JOBS Plus and Work Experiences (keep scrolling down for more information)! We can also refer you to services that help with choosing free professional work attire and grooming for your first day of work, on the job training, or to attend job fairs, so you can look your best no matter what! We also work with a wide range of Human Resources and hiring managers in Portland; but if we don’t have a connection at the company you’re interested in, just ask us, and we’ll try to reach out to them for you! CWP also organizes career fairs; provide free access to our Career Centers for online job search and skill building such as computer classes, brushing up on your resume and cover letters, and printing services. We also have many workshops offered to help you reach your job search goals. See our current class calendar.
Work Experience - Gaining on the job experience
Typically set up for three months, Work Experience positions are unpaid internship positions that allow an employer to get to know you better. They also allow more flexible work hours around your schedule. While in a Work Experience position, you will have regular check-ins from your Employment & Engagement Specialist to identify career growth opportunities, while you are learning new skills at the work site, and making those crucial network connections to build the career path you choose!
Talk to your CWP Employment & Engagement Specialist about Work Experience positions if it has been a while since you have had any formal work experience, or you would like to learn more about a potential employer from the inside, or just learn a new skill on the job.
Jobs Plus - Temporary paid (subsidized) employment
If you would like to gain six months of on the job full time work experience, then ask us about the latest JOBS Plus positions we have to offer! CWP develop connections with employers to provide mentorship and job training through a short interview and hiring process. DHS subsidizes the position, so the JOBS Plus positions are unique because they are only available to CWP-enrolled job applicants! Reach out to your Employment & Engagement Specialist to ask about the JOBS Plus positions you can apply for today!
SELF SUFFICIENCY
CWP runs a pilot project that uses culturally responsive, community-based and collaborative approach to help participants build practical work and personal foundation and coaching through to employment and self-sufficiency. This is a unique project that brings together cohorts of participants for one-year engagements in life skills classes, workshops, coaching and career exploration activities, on a weekly basis. We also work with participants to remove barriers to employment by connecting them to our consortium services and other community resources. Our pilot project serves one African American cohort and one Native American cohort between July 2019 and June 2020.
CWP is proud to offer uniquely individualized English as a Second Language (ESL) skill building services in our career centers. We offer career center skill building activities and classes taught by an attentive ESL Instructor, and you can enroll for free software access to practice English, no matter what your skill level is! We also offer the opportunity for homework help and one-on-one study support with any upcoming tests while connecting you with job leads and work readiness related ESL activities.
Additional Services Provided by CWP
Culturally Specific Career Development
Achieving Life and Career Goals
English as a Second Language
Self-paced language learning
Referrals & Removing Barriers
Accessing Community Resources
Supporting Wellness
Health and Behavioral Health
CWP connects participants who have barriers to employment with a large range of relevant resources to get their needs met. Services are offered by the agencies in the CWP consortium and by other community resources. CWP Engagement & Employment Specialists are able to provide basic information about the services offered and connect participants to the service providers for follow up.
CWP is available to support you in your path to improving your health or behavioral health. At CWP, we act as your patient advocate with your healthcare providers, we help you in reaching medical appointments if you need support, and we work with you to help you get better. We can also assist you in accessing a free pair of new eyeglasses if you have a current prescription. We are available as a resource and to work with you on these steps only if you want us to: without your written consent, we cannot access your health records or talk to your providers or DHS about you; so you are always in control.