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Wesley A. Bosch, M.A. <br />June 8, 2006 <br />Description of Needs and Services <br />Based upon my experience at the Santa Ana W /O /R /K Center and elsewhere, the populations that <br />generally need services include those who were laid off from their jobs, workers who have been <br />unsuccessful in securing adequate employment despite their efforts, workers who are considered or <br />consider themselves underemployed, the economically disadvantaged, chronically unemployed individuals <br />with limited vocational skills, and persons being supported by public assistance. <br />Personal Needs <br />The issues and problems these different populations face may vary and may require different approaches to <br />increase their chances of improvement and success. Their concerns on a personal or psychological level may <br />include: grieving the loss of a valued job, interpersonal and self- esteem problems that arise from this loss, <br />difficulties in handling the stress of economic insecurity and uncertainty, changes in self - perception and self - <br />definition, hopelessness and despair, frustration and other effects from encountering repeated rejections in <br />their job search activity, the breakdown of previously adequate coping shills, stress on the family or <br />significant others and consequent disintegration of supportive relationships, the exacerbation of underlying <br />emotional and /or behavior disorders, clinical depression, suicidal ideation and risk, severe anxiety, and <br />substance abuse. <br />Personal Services <br />The type of services provided to address the above mentioned potential personal problem areas would be <br />similar in nature, though the specific approach may vary according to the individual(s) and the most <br />important identified issue(s) of concern. Both educational and clinical interventions would be used, as <br />appropriate. The primary modality would be individual counseling that may involve single or multiple <br />appointments in a confidential setting. Involvement of family or significant others would take place when <br />identified as potentially helpful. Group counseling or workshops maybe conducted according to the need <br />and commonality of concerns. Referral to relevant professionals, agencies, and resources would be made as <br />appropriate with follow -up regarding progress and outcome. <br />Vocational Needs <br />In the more career - oriented area, customers may be faced with confusion and indecision about v.-hat <br />direction to go in next; uncertainty about what type of work activity they are best suited for, have skills in, <br />and ,vould be most satisfied with; and what kind of jobs have current prospects and a potentially positive <br />future outlook. Additionally, many customers have little or outdated job search skills that include: writing <br />resumes; interviewing for jobs; appropriate behavior and appearance; obtaining job, industry) or company, <br />related information; and computer - related skills that are relevant to job search and preparation. Many times <br />these issues overlap with emotional concerns mentioned above and need to be -,worked with conjointly. <br />Case managers and customers need additional tools to help determine the appropriateness of vocational <br />training and in what types of training or what jobs they are best suited for. The level of computer or other <br />employment related skill and knowledge may not be clear prior to job development efforts, th s job <br />referrals may be made without a high degree of confidence in some cases or may result in mismatched <br />training or placements. <br />0 <br />