Official Site of The State of New Jersey

There are many ways you can get support in finding a new job or career, including specific programs designed to help individuals with disabilities look for work, train for employment, and receive the supports they need in the workplace. The primary source for employment assistance in New Jersey is the Department of Labor of Workforce Development, which provides resources such as: 

• One Stop Career Centers: centers throughout New Jersey that offer free services to job seekers 
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: resources provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to help people overcome barriers to employment 
• Senior Community Service Employment Program: a program for residents 55 and older to help them obtain employment and self-sufficiency. 

This page contains information about these resources, as well as supports from the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Social Security Ticket to Work Program, and NJ FamilyCare. 

 

Get Help Now 

• For more information about employment assistance resources, you can make an appointment with your One-Stop Career Center here, or call 1-877-872-5627. 
• For more information about employment assistance resources for individuals with disabilities, contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services at 609-292-5987 (for video phone, 609-498-6221) or the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 973-648-3333 (for email, askcbvi@dhs.nj.gov). 

There are several ways to get support in finding a new job or career as well as programs to help individuals with disabilities in their work.

 

One-Stop Career Centers

One-Stop Career Centers offer a wide range of free services and tools to help people, including individuals with disabilities, find a new job or career, strengthen job search skills, get training, improve reading and basic skills, and start a business.

Find a One-Stop Career Center near you or call 1-877-872-5627.

 

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Vocational rehabilitation services may be available for individuals with a physical, mental, cognitive, or other form of disability results in a significant (or substantial) barrier to employment. Each person is evaluated individually for eligibility and assistance needed to achieve employment.

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired can receive services through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI). Learn more on CBVI’s website, call 973-648-3333, or email askcbvi@dhs.nj.gov.

All other individuals with disabilities receive services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). Counselors from the Division will work with individuals and their families to develop and carry out a plan for training and placement. The Division can also help purchase other rehabilitative services from private providers, such as further evaluation or counseling, training at a vocational center or technical school, and on-the-job training. Learn more on DVRS’s website or call 609-292-5987. For video phone, call 609-498-6221.

 

Additional Career Resources

Senior Community Service Employment Program: The SCSEP/Workforce 55+ program provides part-time employment to help older workers (ages 55 years and older) obtain employment and self-sufficiency. SCSEP participants work an average of 18 hours a week in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities including schools, libraries, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers and are paid minimum wage. This training serves as a bridge to employment for participants. For more information, visit the NJ Department of Labor’s SCSEP/Workforce 55+ page.

Ticket to Work: Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program is available to people ages 18 through 64 years who are blind or have a disability and who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Participants receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized service providers. For more information, visit Social Security’s Ticket to Work page or contact 1- 866-968-7842.

Plan to Achieve Self-Support: If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or could qualify for SSI after setting aside income or resources, you could benefit from Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), an SSI provision to help individuals with disabilities return to work. PASS can help individuals pay for supplies to start a business, school expenses, equipment and tools, transportation, uniforms and other items or services you need to reach your employment goal without jeopardizing SSI eligibility. For more information, visit Social Security’s PASS page or contact a PASS specialist at 1-866-348-5403 (Last names A-M: dial extension 23648, N-Z: dial extension 23645).

NJ WorkAbility: For individuals enrolled in NJ FamilyCare, the NJ WorkAbility program offers full Medicaid coverage to working disabled individuals whose income or assets would otherwise make them ineligible. As of February 1, 2024, NJ WorkAbility:

• Is open to people aged 16 and over who have a disability determination
• No longer counts spouse’s income when determining eligibility or premiums
• No longer limits eligibility based on assets
• No longer limits eligibility based on income. People with countable income over 250% of the Federal Poverty Level must agree to pay a premium. See chart on website.

For more information, visit the Division of Disability Service’s WorkAbility page or call 1-888-285-3036. Visit our article on health insurance for more information about NJ FamilyCare.