Career Success Through Linkages Job Club
Direct’s Job Club offers a welcoming space where job seekers can connect with peers, share experiences, and support one another throughout their job search. With Linkages’ goal to ensure employment opportunities for every person with a disability, the Job Club equips participants with knowledge about their rights, using technology, resume writing, interview best practices and networking. As a Center for Independent Living (CIL), Direct advocates disability voice, choice, and independence.
One Linkages Job Club participant with multiple disabilities learned about CILs through an allied organization and state agency. After moving out of state and then returning to the area Mark says, “I needed to look for work in Tucson and decided to follow the advice I had given to so many people – to connect with Centers for Independent Living in their local communities as a resource.” Mark learned about the Linkages Job Club and began attending regular meetings.
“I was given real resources and encouragement for the job search,” Mark explains. “I found compassion as well as very practical advice, including a referral to someone with whom I could practice interviewing. This practical advice came not only from Todd (Outreach & Linkages Advocate) but from the other participants in the club, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, skill sets, and education levels – and bring rich life experiences with them to our meetings. This support led me to receiving a job offer for a case management position, but I discerned that I actually wanted to go in another direction. I pursued a certificate program in translation and interpretation at Pima College. Since completing the program, I have launched a small translation and interpretation business. I am translating my first book and have had a few small interpreting gigs, including one at Direct. I am also teaching part-time for Pima College, including in the translation and interpretation program.”
Contact us to learn how to join Linkages Job Club.
