Contact us:

Phone       
773.336.6086

E-mail
ntjn@heartlandalliance.org

Address                        
National Transitional Jobs Network
in c/o Heartland Alliance   
4411 N. Ravenswood         
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60640                         

Program Origin:

Created as an innovative demonstration project by the Vera Institute of Justice in the late 1970s, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) has been an independent nonprofit corporation since 1996. For over 25 years, CEO's consistent goal has been to provide immediate, comprehensive, and effective employment services for men and women returning from prison and others under community supervision in New York City.

Program Design:

Each week, CEO provides an in-depth orientation to a new group of participants, including many graduates of Shock Incarceration, New York’s boot camp for parolees. After discussing program requirements and expectations, participants' reading, math, and job-related skills are assessed and information is gathered on employment history and family and health issues.

CEO's program begins with four days of intensive job-readiness training. Certified instructors experienced in working with at-risk populations deliver CEO's special curriculum. In highly structured interactions, participants learn:

• Resume writing techniques
• Job-searching skills
• Preparing for an interview
• Dressing appropriately
• How to discuss conviction and incarceration

After completing the classes, all participants are assigned to a Job Coach who helps participants find child care, a place to live, medical services - benefits that will enable them to continue in the program. The Job Coach is in constant communication with the participant to help achieve job readiness.

Participants who successfully complete CEO's classroom training receive a graduation certificate and a new pair of work boots. For many, it marks their first meaningful accomplishment. The boots are for the temporary jobs they will have as members of the Neighborhood Work Project (NWP) crews. NWP work crews do maintenance, repair, and sanitation jobs for dozens of government facilities in the New York City area. NWP currently coordinates 35-40 work crews with 5-7 members each.

A full-time field supervisor directs each crew and offers instruction in the proper use of tools, equipment, and materials. Supervisors run the work sites as employment labs, helping prepare participants to transition into the workforce. NWP field supervisors work in tandem with Job Coaches, communicating daily about participants' strengths and weaknesses. Job Coaches closely monitor individual progress in acquiring vocational and interpersonal skills. At the end of each shift, participants receive a pay check. In addition to providing much needed cash, daily pay helps reinforce each participant's sense of self-worth and responsibility -- a tangible reward and confirmation of the value of a day's work.

After they've worked in NWP for at least one week, job-ready participants meet with an employment specialist who assesses their vocational potential and helps them develop an employment plan. This counselor will play an active role in the job-search process by contacting employers and scheduling interviews. Intensive job preparation sessions emphasize responsibility, productivity, and effective communication. Participants continue on NWP work crews until they find a permanent job.

CEO continues to provide help and retention services for all participants for one year after they complete the program.

Outcome Information:

CEO places 60% of its graduates in full-time jobs within 3 months. In over 25 years of operation, CEO has placed thousands of highly motivated workers in over 150 area businesses and organizations.

All CEO graduates have enough work experience to qualify for starting pay above minimum wage. Some earn up to $15.00 per hour, depending on experience and skill level. About one-third of CEO's partner employers provide health benefits. On average, CEO participants earn $8.00 per hour at their first placement.

Key Program Statistics:

• Hourly wage for Transitional Job: $7.15/hr (as of 2007)
• Hours of work per week: 32 hrs + 8 hrs job development
• Maximum time allowed in program: 3 months
• Rate of permanent employment: 60%