Valley Employment Services

6640 Van Nuys Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91411
phone: 818-902-5315
fax: 818-780-6562

Anita, a 65 year old Hispanic woman diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder was referred to Valley Employment Services after 3 years of unresolved grief over the death of her husband. She received Vocational Assessment, Work Adjustment Services and attended all the classes relentlessly. Anita joined the Computer Skills workshop despite no prior computer experience. She has learned to navigate the internet and utilize e-mail to create and send her resume. Anita has made steady progress and has transformed from living an isolated lifestyle with very low self-worth, to a self-motivated volunteer, first with the LAPD and currently as a volunteer relief receptionist. She is utilizing her experience at the volunteer sites to sharpen her clerical skills. Anita is very motivated, consistent, enjoys being in a work environment, and most of all, is undaunted by her age as a barrier to her employment goals.

What is Valley Employment Services?

Valley Employment Services, in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation assists consumers with mental disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment and maximizing their ability to live independently in their communities.

Who Seeks Help From Valley Employment Services?

Consumers who are 17 or older who have been diagnosed with mental illness, who are legally permitted to work and motivated may be referred to Valley Employment Services by their therapist or case manager.

How Valley Employment Services Can Help

For consumers who are reentering the work force after a long absence due to mental illness and who are motivated to work, the Valley Employment Services program provides the opportunity to assess and update skills. An Employment Specialist works with each consumer to determine their strengths, abilities, preferences and readiness for part-time or full-time employment. Together the Employment Specialist and consumer develop a plan for their employment goals.

The Work Adjustment program is time limited and provides training opportunities where the consumer can practice newly learned skills in real work settings. Work adjustment includes volunteer assignments and paid internships to gain work experience.

Consumers learn resume writing, how to dress for an interview, apply for a job, and interviewing skills.

Employment preparation, job development and placement services assist the client in learning the necessary skills to identify, obtain and maintain competitive employment in the community.

Funding
Funds are provided in whole or in part by the County of Los Angeles through the Department of Mental Health and Department of Rehabilitation.

San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc.