Alcance

ALCANCE is a program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB). It was created in 2014 as a result of the merging of two of the agency's successful employment programs; the Community Restoration Project (CRP) and the Women Ventures Project (WVP).

ELIGIBILITY: low-inc...

Cabrillo College Student Employment Office

The Student Employment Center promotes career development by connecting students and alumni with employers in the community, including many departments on the Cabrillo campus. We offer the Seahawk online Job Board, job fairs, networking opportunities, workshops and individual career coaching for ...

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and inde...

CalJOBS

The CalJOBS system is California's online resource to help job seekers and employers navigate the state's workforce services. The enhanced system allows users to easily search for jobs, build resumes, access career resources, find qualified candidates for employment, and gather informatio...

CapitolaCareer Center

We offer free employment services open to the public at all four of our Career Centers. We have all the resources you need to help you find a job that complements your abilities and interests.

Work with trained staff to polish your resume, write a winning cover letter, and practice for...

Center for Employment Training

CET Watsonville offers vocational training and certification in high-demand fields optimally chosen to meet local labor market needs. All programs are accredited and include not only hands-on training in a workplace-simulating environment, but also basic academics, like math, human development, a...

Employment Development Department

The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a comprehensive range of employment and training services in partnership with state and local agencies and organizations. These services benefit job seekers laid off workers, youth, individuals currently working, veterans, and people with disab...

Santa Cruz City Human Resources Department

The Human Resources team offers support services for City departments and employees including:
Recruitment
Benefits
Employee Relations
Equal Employment Opportunity
Employee Development
Volunteer Opportunities

AREAS SERVED: City of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County Personnel Department

The Employment Services Division of the Personnel Department is responsible for the County's recruitment, testing and selection program for County departments. The division provides oversight and guidance to County departments on hiring procedures and protocols. Employment Services is also re...

Workforce Santa Cruz County Full Service Career Center at Watsonville

Workforce Santa Cruz County (WFSCC) is a partnership of local organizations that serve job seekers and businesses in the community.

Our network of 3 (three) conveniently located Career Centers and CalJOBS offer an array of no cost services for businesses, employees, and job seekers. Wo...

Alcance

ALCANCE is a program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB). It was created in 2014 as a result of the merging of two of the agency's successful employment programs; the Community Restoration Project (CRP) and the Women Ventures Project (WVP).

ELIGIBILITY: low-inc...

Cabrillo Extension

We offer a variety of workshops and classes to the community for your personal and professional growth and enjoyment.

Examples: Creative Arts, Health/Fitness, Business & Career, Computers, Online classes, Money, Investment & Estate Planning, History & Nature, Photography,...

California Conservation Corps Monterey Bay Center

The CCC works for a wide range of project sponsors throughout California, including state agencies, federal agencies, city and county agencies, school districts, nonprofit organizations and private industry.

We are a nonresidential program, so the Monterey Bay Center in Watsonville is ...

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and inde...

Center for Employment Training

CET Watsonville offers vocational training and certification in high-demand fields optimally chosen to meet local labor market needs. All programs are accredited and include not only hands-on training in a workplace-simulating environment, but also basic academics, like math, human development, a...

Diamond Technology Institute

Diamond Tech blends academic and career technical education.

ELIGIBILITY: Must be enrolled in high school or post secondary special education program. Need parent consent if under 18.

FUNDING SOURCE: State Dept. of Education, Pajaro School District, State Dept. of Rehabili...

Homeless Garden Project

The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are experiencing homelessness. HGP's vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3...

Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership

The Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership (CTEP) provides students with the opportunity to acquire career training and technical skills that prepare them for success in a changing workplace and continuing education. CTEP, a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) acc...

Santa Cruz County Office of Education

More than 150 years ago, the citizens of California, through the State Constitution and State Legislature created a three-level system of public education. While regulations, funding, and fundamental policies are established at the State level, the day-to-day delivery of instruction is the respon...

Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education

Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education is a Pearson-VUE Testing Center, the only one in Santa Cruz County. We are currently located at the Green Valley Center and offer the 2014 GED test and other California Teacher Credential Exams such as the RICA, CBEST, CPACE, CSET, and CTEL. All tests ...

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and inde...

CapitolaCareer Center

We offer free employment services open to the public at all four of our Career Centers. We have all the resources you need to help you find a job that complements your abilities and interests.

Work with trained staff to polish your resume, write a winning cover letter, and practice for...

Diamond Technology Institute

Diamond Tech blends academic and career technical education.

ELIGIBILITY: Must be enrolled in high school or post secondary special education program. Need parent consent if under 18.

FUNDING SOURCE: State Dept. of Education, Pajaro School District, State Dept. of Rehabili...

Workforce Santa Cruz County Full Service Career Center at Watsonville

Workforce Santa Cruz County (WFSCC) is a partnership of local organizations that serve job seekers and businesses in the community.

Our network of 3 (three) conveniently located Career Centers and CalJOBS offer an array of no cost services for businesses, employees, and job seekers. Wo...

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and inde...

Hope Services - Santa Cruz District

Provides training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism and cerebral palsy. Client services are at sites throughout Santa Cruz County. Offers job training, personal living skills training, community employment services, day programs, soc...

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc.

VRSI provides a wide range of free employment services for veterans.

The purpose of Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. (VRSI) is to provide courteous, quality and professional services designed to assist eligible veterans, service members, and other individuals to attain their ...

Alcance

ALCANCE is a program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB). It was created in 2014 as a result of the merging of two of the agency's successful employment programs; the Community Restoration Project (CRP) and the Women Ventures Project (WVP).

ELIGIBILITY: low-income youth and adults

Mission

The mission of ALCANCE is to provide youth and adults with employment services, work skills development and community engagement. We honor and serve those who are under-resourced, at-risk or involved in the justice system. The ALCANCE program offers opportunities for low-income youth and adults to improve their quality of life and to reach their full potential through employment services, leadership development and meaningful community engagement.

Programs

Some programs include:

Work With Us
SmartHIRE
Jails to Jobs
Papas
Day Worker Center
Young Creative Job Seekers
Sueños
Project Thrive
Job Training and Mentorship Program

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Cabrillo College Student Employment Office

The Student Employment Center promotes career development by connecting students and alumni with employers in the community, including many departments on the Cabrillo campus. We offer the Seahawk online Job Board, job fairs, networking opportunities, workshops and individual career coaching for reviewing resumes, cover letters, interview skills, and job search support. We also provide and process paperwork for on-campus employment.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services. We believe in the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities. We invest in the future through creativity, ingenuity, and innovation. We ensure our decisions and actions are informed by interested individuals and groups. We pursue excellence through continuous improvement. We preserve the public’s trust through compassionate and responsible provision of services.

ELIGIBILITY: Any person with a significant disability who needs help to become employed. People with severe disabilities are given first priority.

Areas Served
  • Central Coast

CalJOBS

The CalJOBS system is California's online resource to help job seekers and employers navigate the state's workforce services. The enhanced system allows users to easily search for jobs, build resumes, access career resources, find qualified candidates for employment, and gather information on education and training programs.

Programs

Job Seekers can:
Create and upload multiple versions of their resume tailored to specific jobs or career paths.
Customize and conduct job searches.
Set up alerts for job openings - either via email or text message.
Apply for job openings.
Research prospective employers.
Make customized resumes viewable to prospective employers.
Use the mobile application. Available in the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores.

Employers can:
Post job openings.
Browse resumes.
Keep their employee search organized.
Expand their search to find good candidates for their companies.

Areas Served
  • California

CapitolaCareer Center

We offer free employment services open to the public at all four of our Career Centers. We have all the resources you need to help you find a job that complements your abilities and interests.

Work with trained staff to polish your resume, write a winning cover letter, and practice for your interview.
Gain a competitive edge with typing and computer skill certifications.

Never miss a job opening with our up-to-date job boards, job search workshops, and job fairs.

We work closely with our community partners and can refer you to programs based on your specific needs and interests. We even offer training opportunities for in-demand positions and subsidized employment, opening up more possibilities for your career.

Each career center is equipped with computers, free Wi-Fi, printers, fax machines, and phones—everything you need to get your job search started. We have Spanish-speaking staff, and the Career Centers are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Center for Employment Training

CET Watsonville offers vocational training and certification in high-demand fields optimally chosen to meet local labor market needs. All programs are accredited and include not only hands-on training in a workplace-simulating environment, but also basic academics, like math, human development, and job placement assistance. CET is now offering hybrid classes and a night program from 4:30-10:00pm. Participants have the opportunity to obtain VESL and pre-GED instruction alongside training. Supportive services, financial aid, and financial literacy workshops are available as well.

Areas Served
  • Central Coast

Employment Development Department

The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a comprehensive range of employment and training services in partnership with state and local agencies and organizations. These services benefit job seekers laid off workers, youth, individuals currently working, veterans, and people with disabilities. Facility is equipped with computers, free Wi-Fi, printers, and a fax machine for job search.

Mission

The Employment Development Department enhances California’s economic growth and prosperity by collaboratively delivering valuable and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of employers, workers, and job seekers.

Programs

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program provides assistance to workers who are laid off as a result of increased imports or shift in production to foreign countries. This Federally funded program offers employment training, job search allowances, and relocation allowances to eligible individuals.

Unemployment Insurance pays benefits to workers who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Areas Served
  • California

Santa Cruz City Human Resources Department

The Human Resources team offers support services for City departments and employees including:
Recruitment
Benefits
Employee Relations
Equal Employment Opportunity
Employee Development
Volunteer Opportunities

AREAS SERVED: City of Santa Cruz

Mission

As a resource and trusted advisor, we strive to cultivate an inspiring, fulfilling work environment that attracts and engages a talented workforce.

Areas Served
  • City of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County Personnel Department

The Employment Services Division of the Personnel Department is responsible for the County's recruitment, testing and selection program for County departments. The division provides oversight and guidance to County departments on hiring procedures and protocols. Employment Services is also responsible for recruiting, bilingual proficiency testing, and oversight of decentralized recruitment activities for the Human Services Department and Department of Public Works. The Employment Services Division manages the County's employee transfer, re-employment and recall programs. This division is also responsible for placement of displaced or laid off County employees.

Mission

In collaboration with our customers, we will recruit, develop, support, and retain an ethical, professional, and diverse workforce dedicated to serving the community.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Workforce Santa Cruz County Full Service Career Center at Watsonville

Workforce Santa Cruz County (WFSCC) is a partnership of local organizations that serve job seekers and businesses in the community.

Our network of 3 (three) conveniently located Career Centers and CalJOBS offer an array of no cost services for businesses, employees, and job seekers. Workforce Santa Cruz County is overseen by the County of Santa Cruz Workforce Development Board (Santa Cruz WDB).

ELIGIBILITY: available to the entire community-businesses, job seekers, youth, and the general public at no charge.

Programs

Services for Business

On-the-Job Training reimbursement of up to 3-6 months of trainee's salary to place job seekers in permanent, full-time employment.
Applicant Recruitment and Screening to help your business fill its open jobs.
Employee Retention Services is a confidential service through the Small Business Development Center to assist business to keep doors open and retain employees.
Training Existing Staff funds to cover the costs to train existing employees.
Referrals to partner services.
Additional recruitment and retention services are available at CalJOBS.


Services for Job Seekers

Career Counseling to help you secure your next job;
Online job postings;
Occupational training in high demand occupations with projected job growth;
On-the-Job training;
Online training;
Self-service computers for job search;
Job search workshops;
Access to EDD Unemployment Insurance phone lines.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Alcance

ALCANCE is a program of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB). It was created in 2014 as a result of the merging of two of the agency's successful employment programs; the Community Restoration Project (CRP) and the Women Ventures Project (WVP).

ELIGIBILITY: low-income youth and adults

Mission

The mission of ALCANCE is to provide youth and adults with employment services, work skills development and community engagement. We honor and serve those who are under-resourced, at-risk or involved in the justice system. The ALCANCE program offers opportunities for low-income youth and adults to improve their quality of life and to reach their full potential through employment services, leadership development and meaningful community engagement.

Programs

Some programs include:

Work With Us
SmartHIRE
Jails to Jobs
Papas
Day Worker Center
Young Creative Job Seekers
Sueños
Project Thrive
Job Training and Mentorship Program

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Cabrillo Extension

We offer a variety of workshops and classes to the community for your personal and professional growth and enjoyment.

Examples: Creative Arts, Health/Fitness, Business & Career, Computers, Online classes, Money, Investment & Estate Planning, History & Nature, Photography, Culinary, Green, Home & Garden, Professional Development, Healthcare, Cabrillo for Kids, Music and Dance, Writing and personal Growth.


We also provide Corporate Training to local businesses for management and employees. See our Corporate Training website
http://cabrillo.edu/services/corporate/

ELIGIBILITY: Classes are for adults aged 16 and up, unless otherwise specified. Register on our website, by phone, fax, mail or in person.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

California Conservation Corps Monterey Bay Center

The CCC works for a wide range of project sponsors throughout California, including state agencies, federal agencies, city and county agencies, school districts, nonprofit organizations and private industry.

We are a nonresidential program, so the Monterey Bay Center in Watsonville is primarily administrative offices, classroom space and storage for vehicles, tools and other supplies.

We have 80 corpsmembers on five crews in two different communities. Our crews in Watsonville and San Jose provide resource conservation work such as trail construction, wetland habitat restoration and fire hazard fuel reduction.

The fifth crew is a weatherization crew which trains with Central Coast Energy Services to provide weatherization improvements for low-income residents in several cities.

ELIGIBILITY: Ages 18-25, not on parole or probation, California residents and willing to work hard.

Programs

Corpsmembers tackle a range of natural resource projects, from working on the beach next to the Pacific Ocean to maintaining trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Los Padres National Forest and on the Big Sur coast.

Areas Served
  • California (Central)
  • Santa Cruz County

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services. We believe in the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities. We invest in the future through creativity, ingenuity, and innovation. We ensure our decisions and actions are informed by interested individuals and groups. We pursue excellence through continuous improvement. We preserve the public’s trust through compassionate and responsible provision of services.

ELIGIBILITY: Any person with a significant disability who needs help to become employed. People with severe disabilities are given first priority.

Areas Served
  • Central Coast

Center for Employment Training

CET Watsonville offers vocational training and certification in high-demand fields optimally chosen to meet local labor market needs. All programs are accredited and include not only hands-on training in a workplace-simulating environment, but also basic academics, like math, human development, and job placement assistance. CET is now offering hybrid classes and a night program from 4:30-10:00pm. Participants have the opportunity to obtain VESL and pre-GED instruction alongside training. Supportive services, financial aid, and financial literacy workshops are available as well.

Areas Served
  • Central Coast

Diamond Technology Institute

Diamond Tech blends academic and career technical education.

ELIGIBILITY: Must be enrolled in high school or post secondary special education program. Need parent consent if under 18.

FUNDING SOURCE: State Dept. of Education, Pajaro School District, State Dept. of Rehabilitation

Mission

The Mission of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is to educate and to support learners in reaching their highest potential. We prepare students to pursue successful futures and to make positive contributions to the community and the global society.

Programs

Career Pathways:
Business Management
Engineering Design
Design, Visual & Media Arts
Agri-Science

Diamond Technology Institute is now a Design Thinking high school and is listed in the Design Thinking in Schools Directory which is a K-12 partnership with Stanford University's design school. We are the only high school in Santa Cruz county with this distinction.

Extended Learning

Areas Served
  • Monterey County
  • San Benito County
  • Santa Cruz County

Homeless Garden Project

The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are experiencing homelessness. HGP's vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises.

Store Location:
30 West Cliff Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Monday-Friday
11 am-4 pm

Farm Location:
Shaffer Road at Delaware Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tuesday-Sunday
10am-4 pm

Mission

In the soil of our urban farm and garden, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership

The Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership (CTEP) provides students with the opportunity to acquire career training and technical skills that prepare them for success in a changing workplace and continuing education. CTEP, a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education offered in cooperation with county high school districts and the local business community provides job training for youth 16 and older and some adults (currently restricted to a few programs). CTEP works closely with local employers and many classes offer on-the-job training and internships. While there is no formal placement process, follow-up studies of our students indicate program finishers have a high rate of job placement.

ELIGIBILITY: Job training for youth 16 and older and some adults (currently restricted to a few programs)

FEES: Registration, books and materials fees for adults.

Mission

The Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership (CTEP) provides students with the opportunity to acquire academic, career and technical skills and to prepare for life-long learning and success in the changing workplace.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Office of Education

More than 150 years ago, the citizens of California, through the State Constitution and State Legislature created a three-level system of public education. While regulations, funding, and fundamental policies are established at the State level, the day-to-day delivery of instruction is the responsibility of over 1,000 local districts in California. At the intermediate level of the public education system, the 58 county offices provide a support infrastructure for local schools and districts. They also must fulfill State mandates to audit school district budgets, register teacher credentials, complete employee background checks, certify school attendance records, and develop countywide programs to service special student populations.

Mission

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is a public agency whose purpose is to provide educational leadership, resources and services to schools to ensure quality educational opportunities for all students.

Programs

Direct instructional programs are offered through special education, alternative education and Regional Occupational Programs.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education

Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education is a Pearson-VUE Testing Center, the only one in Santa Cruz County. We are currently located at the Green Valley Center and offer the 2014 GED test and other California Teacher Credential Exams such as the RICA, CBEST, CPACE, CSET, and CTEL. All tests are completed on computers. We have expanded testing opportunities for students by adding more computers to the testing center.

Call us at the Green Valley Center at (831)786-2160 or at the Santa Cruz Center at (831)429-3966 for details.

Santa Cruz Center
319 La Fonda Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Monday – Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Phone: (831) 429-3966
Fax: (831) 429-3061

Institute of Language and Culture
320 Rodriguez Street
Watsonville CA 95076
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Monday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
Phone: (831) 786-8225
Fax: (831) 786-9420

Programs

Please visit the WASCAE Programs Tab on the website to view the full list of courses and programs.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services. We believe in the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities. We invest in the future through creativity, ingenuity, and innovation. We ensure our decisions and actions are informed by interested individuals and groups. We pursue excellence through continuous improvement. We preserve the public’s trust through compassionate and responsible provision of services.

ELIGIBILITY: Any person with a significant disability who needs help to become employed. People with severe disabilities are given first priority.

Areas Served
  • Central Coast

CapitolaCareer Center

We offer free employment services open to the public at all four of our Career Centers. We have all the resources you need to help you find a job that complements your abilities and interests.

Work with trained staff to polish your resume, write a winning cover letter, and practice for your interview.
Gain a competitive edge with typing and computer skill certifications.

Never miss a job opening with our up-to-date job boards, job search workshops, and job fairs.

We work closely with our community partners and can refer you to programs based on your specific needs and interests. We even offer training opportunities for in-demand positions and subsidized employment, opening up more possibilities for your career.

Each career center is equipped with computers, free Wi-Fi, printers, fax machines, and phones—everything you need to get your job search started. We have Spanish-speaking staff, and the Career Centers are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Diamond Technology Institute

Diamond Tech blends academic and career technical education.

ELIGIBILITY: Must be enrolled in high school or post secondary special education program. Need parent consent if under 18.

FUNDING SOURCE: State Dept. of Education, Pajaro School District, State Dept. of Rehabilitation

Mission

The Mission of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is to educate and to support learners in reaching their highest potential. We prepare students to pursue successful futures and to make positive contributions to the community and the global society.

Programs

Career Pathways:
Business Management
Engineering Design
Design, Visual & Media Arts
Agri-Science

Diamond Technology Institute is now a Design Thinking high school and is listed in the Design Thinking in Schools Directory which is a K-12 partnership with Stanford University's design school. We are the only high school in Santa Cruz county with this distinction.

Extended Learning

Areas Served
  • Monterey County
  • San Benito County
  • Santa Cruz County

Workforce Santa Cruz County Full Service Career Center at Watsonville

Workforce Santa Cruz County (WFSCC) is a partnership of local organizations that serve job seekers and businesses in the community.

Our network of 3 (three) conveniently located Career Centers and CalJOBS offer an array of no cost services for businesses, employees, and job seekers. Workforce Santa Cruz County is overseen by the County of Santa Cruz Workforce Development Board (Santa Cruz WDB).

ELIGIBILITY: available to the entire community-businesses, job seekers, youth, and the general public at no charge.

Programs

Services for Business

On-the-Job Training reimbursement of up to 3-6 months of trainee's salary to place job seekers in permanent, full-time employment.
Applicant Recruitment and Screening to help your business fill its open jobs.
Employee Retention Services is a confidential service through the Small Business Development Center to assist business to keep doors open and retain employees.
Training Existing Staff funds to cover the costs to train existing employees.
Referrals to partner services.
Additional recruitment and retention services are available at CalJOBS.


Services for Job Seekers

Career Counseling to help you secure your next job;
Online job postings;
Occupational training in high demand occupations with projected job growth;
On-the-Job training;
Online training;
Self-service computers for job search;
Job search workshops;
Access to EDD Unemployment Insurance phone lines.

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services. We believe in the talent and potential of individuals with disabilities. We invest in the future through creativity, ingenuity, and innovation. We ensure our decisions and actions are informed by interested individuals and groups. We pursue excellence through continuous improvement. We preserve the public’s trust through compassionate and responsible provision of services.

ELIGIBILITY: Any person with a significant disability who needs help to become employed. People with severe disabilities are given first priority.

Areas Served
  • Central Coast

Hope Services - Santa Cruz District

Provides training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism and cerebral palsy. Client services are at sites throughout Santa Cruz County. Offers job training, personal living skills training, community employment services, day programs, social activities, independent living support and more.

Mission

Hope Services' Mission is to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.

Programs

Senior Services:
Established in 1984, the Senior Program provides leisure, recreational, social, and health-related activities for adults ages 45 and up with developmental disabilities.
Mauna Loa Morris, Aptos Senior Services Manager
mmorris@hopeservices.org 831-662-8708

Hope's Tailored Day Service is a unique opportunity for individuals who are regional center clients to pursue post-secondary education, develop or maintain employment or volunteer opportunities, or to simply increase their ability to lead integrated and inclusive lives in their community. The service design will include fewer days and hours than a traditional day program, but allows for greater flexibility and intense focus on a person's life goals.
Sally French
District Director Santa Cruz
sfrench@hopeservices.org
Phone: 831-600-1502

Areas Served
  • Santa Cruz County

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc.

VRSI provides a wide range of free employment services for veterans.

The purpose of Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. (VRSI) is to provide courteous, quality and professional services designed to assist eligible veterans, service members, and other individuals to attain their maximum vocational potential. VRSI provides multiple services including vocational counseling, vocational evaluation, and employment services.

AREAS SERVED: VRSI provides services in the following California counties:
Alameda, Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz
Services available in other locations through special arrangement.

Programs

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling

Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation

Employment Services

Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP)
and Female Veteran & Veterans with Families (FVVWF)

VRSI provides training and employment services for veterans. If you need work we can help. VRSI will assist in every step of the way to place into employment and assist you with upto $400.00 in employment supportive assistance. Once we get you a job we can help with the purchase of uniform, shoes, boots, gas to get you to work, bus pass, and many other similar iteMS.

Areas Served
  • See Description Notes