Community Based Vocational Program

The North River Collaborative Community-Based Vocational Program serves students 16 to 22 years old who are in need of vocational training and are ready to learn in community-based work environments. The Community-Based Vocational Program opens new doors in various vocational areas for students with special needs. For many, this is their first introduction to the world of work. Students are matched to appropriate community-based worksites for job training. Students work as volunteers one or more days a week, accompanied by a qualified job coach who remains on site for the duration of the day. They are never left unsupervised but are encouraged to work independently.

The job coach oversees the quality of all work and expands job responsibilities as students progress. The Program Coordinator provides an in-depth vocational assessment for each student in consultation with the work site. Students are evaluated by their job coach, in conjunction with their work sites, regarding work readiness and work performance skills. Transportation to and from the program is provided in NRC vehicles by NRC Drivers with 7-D licenses who are trained to work supportively with the students of the Community-Based Vocational Program. Established Sites for Vocational Exploration include: Animal Care, Cafeteria Work, Food Service, General Office Work, Janitorial Service, Materials Handling, and Retail.