Career Development
Employment & Educational Support Services
Odyssey’s Career Development Program supports individuals with disabilities in identifying, securing, and sustaining employment that aligns with their personal goals and definition of meaningful work.
Our Story
Our story begins with Kevin, our inspiration of the Career Development Program. Kevin, who has Cerebral Palsy, spent over 10 years in a sheltered program where he earned less than minimum wage and received minimal job skills training. The situation made it difficult to transition in to employment within the community. Feeling trapped and without opportunities for him and his peers in employment. Kevin’s experience sparked a change and from that moment, the Career Development Program was created.
Who We Serve
We primarily serve individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including those with cooccurring mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or other barriers to employment. We also support students with disabilities, transition-age youth, and individuals seeking meaningful, competitive employment with appropriate supports.
Service Regions: Nevada County, Placer County, Sacramento County, El Dorado County, Yuba County, Sutter County, and Yolo County
Student Services
Provided through the Department of Rehabilitation for students 16-21 years old who are Enrolled in accredited school.
Student Work Experience: 100-hour paid work experience at a worksite of clients choice.
Post Secondary Counseling: Understanding the higher education system.
Job Exploration Counseling: Understanding job types and pathways to achieving employment interest.
Workplace Readiness Training: Skills development to promote independence within a workplace such as mobility training, financial literacy, job seeking skills, and professional social skills.
Self Advocacy Training: Navigating job accommodation needs, volunteer opportunities, understand self within employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Provided through the Department of Rehabilitation.
External Support Services: Removing barriers impacting employment or education, mobility training, resource development, etc.
Employment Services: Resume development, interview preparation, job development, and short-term job coaching. Short term support is available to assist a client in maintaining employment.
Career Exploration: Understanding job types and pathways to achieving employment interest.
Work Readiness Assessment: 40-hour paid work experience to identify barriers, strengths, and interests.
Supported Employment
Provided through Alta Regional Center, by ACRE certified staff.
On-Going Job Coaching: Supports available to assist in maintaining employment. On-Going Job Coaching is available for as long as a client has a job. However, support hours per month do not exceed 30% intervention.
Paid Internship Program: 1040-hours or one year of paid work experience at a worksite of choice.
Tailored Services & Job Development: Pre-employment skills development, employment supports, post secondary counseling, career exploration, and external support services impacting employment.
Coordinated Career Pathway
Provided via Alta for individuals who have exited secondary school within the last 2 years or exited a work activity program within the last 5 years.
Career Pathway Navigator (CPN): Provides individualized guidance by helping people create a Person-Centered Career Plan (PCCP). The CPN supports goal setting, identifies strengths and support needs, and offers ongoing assistance and adjustments throughout the journey.
Customized Employment (CE): Offers personalized help to find a job that fits the individual’s strengths and interests. This includes discovery, career planning, job development, and continued support tailored to each person’s needs.