Career Exploration Services

To identify possible career choices, SWI counselors utilize the SDS Assessment tool developed by John Holland PhD. Used by career counselors throughout the nation, the assessment helps the client identify possible careers that are based on six possible personality types including Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. By identifying careers that are in line with the personality type of the client, the client will be more apt to obtain and maintain employment as the job will hold their interest. Once careers have been identified, SWI counselors work with the client to develop the skills necessary to assess the viability of each chosen career.  Through career profiles provided by the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the client develops the skills necessary to identify the skills and training needed for each career, job responsibilities, wages, and long-term market trends.

SWI counselors use Person-Centered-Planning to find out what kind of natural supports are available for each client. The client is able to identify resources within the community to assist in making informed decisions.  This includes accessing career one-stop centers, setting up interviews with people working within identified careers or industries and scheduling job shadowing and volunteer opportunities.  SWI counselors accompany all clients to initial interviews with companies to ensure a clear understanding of the role and responsibility of the client and assist in identifying education and support that maybe offered by the potential employer.  Furthermore, SWI counselors remain in contact and monitor the progress of the client at all job shadowing and volunteer opportunities.  With such information, the client is able to determine the complexity and demand of each career and determine their feasibility when taking into consideration all aspects of their life including health, education, and transportation.

Clients also have the opportunity to attend peer-to-peer groups to learn and discuss real life experiences and share strategies for conflict resolution and processing social situations on the job.  Group sessions also discuss current employment trends, education requirements, interview techniques, and responsibilities on the job.