Promoting independence through employment and psychosocial supports.

Types of services:
- Benefits Counseling
- Supported Employment
- Vocational Counseling
- Case Management Services
- Job Readiness/Development Services
- Job Coaching Services
- Employment/Training Opportunities

Specific Programs:
- Benefits Coordination/Client Advocacy
- Work Incentive Services
- Alternative Work Solutions

Benefits Coordination/Client Advocacy
This service helps Care Plus NJ clients understand and obtain their health and welfare benefits. Care Plus NJ staff members assist clients in completing applications, analyzing and responding to reviews, submitting appeals, and etc. for Social Security (SSI, SSD), Medicaid/Medicare, Rental Assistance, Welfare, Food Stamps, and others benefits. When appropriate, Care Plus NJ staff act as consumer advocates and a liaison between outside agencies and the community-at-large.

Work Incentive Services
Care Plus NJ offers several programs developed to assist the mentally disabled and economically disadvantaged with the challenges of finding training and gainful employment. These programs are currently offered in a variety of Northern New Jersey counties. The services are categorized as Work First NJ initiatives or Supported Employment Services.

Work First NJ services offered by Care Plus NJ are numerous, but all have the same goal: to provide specialized case management services for individuals and families on welfare so they ultimately are able to retain gainful employment. Services are offered in eight Northern NJ counties, with different eligibility criteria based on the specific program. Our services are designed to assist welfare recipients who are approaching or have passed the five-year limit for receiving benefits. Many of these individuals are identified as experiencing significant mental health issues or other barriers preventing them from entering the workforce. Our staff refer clients to appropriate community providers so these issues may be addressed, as well as providing job development services, so that employment may be achieved. Other individuals are determined to be eligible for long-term cash assistance programs due to their disability.

Specific Work First NJ programs include:
- General Assistance Case Management Program (JPC-GA)
- Mental Health Initiative Program – Passaic County
- Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF): General Assistance
- Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF): TANF
- Special Initiative- Jobs Plus Coordinator: TANF Adults and Teen Mothers (JPC-TANF)
- TANF Initiative for Parents

Supported Employment Services are designed to assist adults with mental illness in locating, acquiring, and retaining competitive employment and related educational training that fits their individual needs. Services are open to Bergen County adults through a grant contract with the NJ Division of Mental Health Services. Services are also offered in Passaic and Bergen Counties communities through a fee-for-service arrangement. Fee for service includes mentally disabled and learning disabled.

Supported Employment (SE) provides participants with services ranging from career exploration, job search and development, and resume and interview skills preparation, to career and job maintenance counseling. SE works in conjunction with the participant’s treatment team and case managers so a successful outcome is reached. Each participant receives individualized approaches and strategies that best fit their needs and preferences.

Alternative Work Solutions
The Care Plus NJ Alternative Work Solutions Department offers different employment tracks, thereby allowing the creation of work opportunities for lower, moderate, and higher functioning consumers within the community. Currently, employment tracks are available in remanufacturing (laser toner cartridges) and janitorial services. In the near future, the department will expand employment tracks to incorporate other business opportunities as they develop. All tracks offer the federal minimum wages per hour, which remains higher than the traditional sheltered workshop piece rate. The disabled and disadvantaged are given the opportunity to accept part-time employment and select a flexible work schedule that best fits their needs.

For more information on Care Plus NJ Client Support Services and other Care Plus NJ service offerings, please call: (201) 265-8200.

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