Life’sWork of Western Pennsylvania 

Life’sWork of Western PA works with the communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania to find and develop competitive employment
opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment so that these individuals may achieve independence and
contribute to the communities in which they live.  Vocational counselors assist each individual in the development of a vocational
goal plan, which requires client input throughout the development process.  The following services are available at Life’sWork of
Western PA: 

1.   Evaluation/Assessment

Employment potential, aptitude, workplace behavior, attitude, work habits, and an individual’s interests are evaluated to
determine which workplace setting would best suit the individual.  Life’sWork has a diagnostic vocational evaluation suite
that provides various opportunities for an individual to demonstrate his/her skills and abilities that will be applicable to a
workplace environment. 

2.   Work Experience

Job tryouts and internships are available and provide practical work experience in an effort to develop an individual’s
positive work habits.  The goal of these experiences is to provide a setting in which the individual shall develop the abilities
necessary for obtaining and retaining employment regardless of his/her disability or barrier to employment. 

3.   Job Coaching

Job coaching is provided for the individual as he/she adjusts to the new work environment and develops job-specific
skills.  As the new employee gradually becomes independent and confident in his/her skills, job coaching gradually
decreases.  As job coaching comes to an end, a co-worker will take over job mentoring responsibilities. 

4.   Job Training

A variety of training programs are available to job seekers in an effort to expand an individual’s employment opportunities.

a.      Job Shadowing/Try-outs

·       Allows the job seeker to experience the work environment and understand specific job responsibilities
before making an employment decision

b.     Training Site Visits

            ·       Allows the job seeker to gain insight into the requirements, duration, and complexity of the job

c.     Skills Development

             ·       Allows the job seeker to work in a structured environment in an effort to discover his/her potential

d.     Workplace Literacy Training

            ·       Allows the job seeker access to seminars, workshops, and individualized education 

For more information on Life’sWork, visit their website at http://www.lifesworkwpa.org/.

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Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists people with disabilities through individualized services to pursue, obtain, and
maintain satisfactory employment. OVR counselors help people in selecting an employment goal and in developing a comprehensive
strategy to find a job that meets the needs of the individual. OVR job placement services are provided at no cost to eligible
individuals with disabilities.  Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis; contact the OVR office to determine an individual’s
eligibility.  The following services are available at most OVR offices:

1.      Diagnostic Services

a.     Medical, psychological, and audiological exams/tests to better understand the disability and needs for types of
services available

2.      Vocational Evaluation

a.     Evaluation on aptitude, general abilities, and academic exams

b.    Evaluation on work tolerance and “hands-on” job experience

3.      Vocational Counseling

a.     Counseling to help an individual with setting vocational goals and assistance in changing those goals when
necessary

b.    Counseling in an effort to develop successful work habits and to help an individual to better understand his/her
potential and skills

4.      Training

a.     Preparation for a job that includes independent living skills, basic academics, vocational/technical training,
on-the-job training, college preparation, and personal and work adjustment training

5.      Placement Assistance

a.      Job clubs, job development, job-seeking programs, and counseling

b.     Assistance in the following areas: tracking down job leads, filling out applications, practicing how to interview,
and following through with an actual interview

6.      Support Services (based on eligibility)

a.     Room, board, transportation costs during an evaluation or while completing the vocational rehabilitation program

b.     Occupational tools, licenses, or equipment

c.      Job site modifications that will enable the individual to obtain employment

d.     Independent living training for the individual to become more self-sufficient

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Pennsylvania CareerLink 

Pennsylvania CareerLink has a network of local offices throughout PA that provide a one-stop delivery of career services.
CareerLink offices provide a wide variety of employment-related services and are available to assist in the job search process. The
following services are available at no cost to the consumer (Service availability may vary among office locations):

1.     Job Development and Referral Services

a.     Job opportunity postings on a regular basis

b.    Staff referrals to jobs which match your skills

2.     Career Resource Center

a.     Self-service interactive technology (computer, videos, job market information) available to help with making
important career decisions

3.     Resume and Cover Letter Writing Assistance

4.     Job Search Workshop

a.     Assistance in developing a job search plan, including self-evaluation and locating/contacting employers

5.     Labor Market Information

a.       Listings of job demands and employment trends

6.     State and Federal Civil Service

a.      Information and applications for both State and Federal Civil Service positions

7.     Veterans Services

a.      Veteran Employment Representatives available to provide priority services to eligible veterans

8.     Job Training

a.     Trainings and vocational education opportunities (no-cost programs available to those that qualify)

9.     On-line Employment Services at www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us

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Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Requirements and Claims Process 

Unemployment compensation (UC) provides temporary income support for eligible individuals that have lost their job through no
fault of their own.  An application process is necessary to be determined eligible for UC. The application and continual claims filing
processes may be completed online or over the telephone. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

1.     You are unemployed through no fault of your own or due to a work stoppage that is the result of a lockout.

2.     You have filed an initial application for UC benefits.

3.     You are unemployed for a waiting period of one week after filing the initial application for benefits.

4.     You must file ongoing biweekly claims and respond to questions concerning your continued eligibility. You must report
any earnings from work and any job offers or refusal of work during any claim period.

5.     You are registered for work with the Pennsylvania CareerLink.

6.     You are able to work and available for suitable work.

7.     You performed services covered by the UC Law for an employer that is required by the UC Law or elects to pay into the UC
Fund.

8.     You earned enough wages to qualify and have sufficient credit weeks.  A credit week is any calendar week in the base year
for which you earned $50 or more. 

Filing Claims online or over the telephone:   

1.     To file a claim online, go to http://www.state.pa.us and enter “unemployment” as the PA Keyword at the top of the page.
Click on “Claimant Services in English” and follow along with the services/information section that pertains to your needs.
Online claims may be submitted Sunday through Friday from 6 am – 9 pm. 

2.   To file a claim over the telephone (Pennsylvania Teleclaims – PAT), call the UC service center in your dialing area (see the
following list of phone numbers).  Follow the prompts and complete the claims process.  PAT claims may be submitted
Sunday through Friday from 5 am – 9 pm.  *Important – do not hang up the phone until PAT tells you that your claim has
been accepted or that your answers have been saved.  If you hang up or get disconnected before PAT tells you that your
claim has been accepted, you will have to call again to file your claim for benefits.