Welcome

We Have What You Need...A Qualified Workforce. The Florida Abilities Work portal in the Employ Florida Marketplace is designed to meet the needs of Florida employers looking to hire qualified job seekers with disabilities and the job seekers who are trying to find that next great job. You can find information to help match employers with job seekers who have a disability, as well as resources for support services.

Employers can list available jobs on the Employ Florida Marketplace or search for potential employees who have disabilities at Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Job seekers with disabilities can search for available jobs on the Employ Florida Marketplace.

The “Abilities Work” Help Desk is here to assist employers and job seekers with disabilities in navigating the disability support system as seamlessly as possible and to link employers to a qualified workforce. For assistance, please call the Abilities Work Help Desk toll-free at (844) 245-3405 or email AbilitiesWorkHD@vr.fldoe.org.

Job Seekers

The “Abilities Work” Help Desk is here to assist employers and job seekers with disabilities in navigating the disability support system as seamlessly as possible. For assistance, please call the Help Desk toll-free at (844) 245-3405 or email AbilitiesWorkHD@vr.fldoe.org.

The Florida Abilities Work portal in the Employ Florida Marketplace was created to meet the needs of Florida employers who wish to hire qualified job seekers with disabilities and the job seekers who are trying to find that next great job. We want to make finding and keeping a job a reality for you.

Choosing to work can change your life. If you have a disability and want to work, you can get started right here. This website will connect you with the right people to explore your options. Having a job and a steady income can set you on the path to self-sufficiency.

You may access a variety of workforce services through any of the CareerSource centers located across Florida. Staff can help you with conducting job searches, finding employers, building an effective resume, signing up for training and education programs, getting information about the benefits associated with the Ticket to Work program, and more.

At the centers, you can work with professional disability specialists who will work with you to identify resources that can remove barriers to employment and develop connections with employers. They serve as a resource to the workforce development community to make sure employers know about federal, state, local and private programs that directly affect people with disabilities and their entering and remaining in the workforce.

If you have a disability and need help in getting or keeping a job, you can also contact Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to see if you qualify for services. If you are blind or visually impaired, you can contact the Division of Blind Services for help in living your life with as much independence and self-direction as possible. Both agencies have offices statewide. You can find the VR office directory at rehabworks.org/office_directory.shtml.

A person who has or might have a developmental disability, or their authorized representative also may apply for services at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ADP) office in their region.The supports and services for Floridians with developmental disabilities are paid for with tax dollars and are administered through APD's six regional offices around the state.

Employ Florida Marketplace

Employ Florida Marketplace is the State of Florida's official job search website. One of its benefits is that job listings are brought in from thousands of other websites and are available with one easy job search.

Job Fairs

If you are not comfortable with websites and prefer to meet in person the people who represent the companies you are interested in, job fairs might be your answer. However, keep in mind that, just as you are meeting them for the first time, employers are also meeting you for the first time. Make sure that you dress accordingly and have a prepared resume with you.

It is always best to target your resume for a specific job. You might ask, "How do you prepare for so many employers with so many different job opportunities?" The answer is preparation. Most job fairs will announce ahead of time a list of the employers and the positions they have open. By tweaking each resume to fit each job you are interested in, you will be able to present yourself in a more positive light. For information about local job fairs, check your local papers, contact your local CareerSource center, or visit the job fairs link at www.floridajobs.org

USAJOBS

USAJOBS is the official job website for the U.S. Federal Government and your one stop source for Federal jobs and employment information. The Federal Government is actively recruiting and hiring people with disabilities. They offer a variety of exciting jobs, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. A new rule that took effect in March 2014 requires most federal contractors to ensure that people with disabilities account for at least 7 percent of workers within each job group in their workforce.

People First!

People First is the source for anyone seeking a career in public service in Florida State Government.

Ticket to Work

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, then you have a Ticket to Work. Social Security's Ticket to Work program offers people with disabilities an opportunity to achieve greater independence by providing choices in employment services and access to meaningful work. You can also contact a disability specialist at a CareerSource center for more information about the program.

Disability Navigator Initiative

The Disability Specialists help CareerSource Florida centers improve employability and increase career opportunities for job seekers with disabilities. At the centers, you can work with professional disability specialists who will work with you to identify resources that can remove barriers to employment and develop links with employers.

Career Services Videos

Career Services videos in Employ Florida Marketplace are designed to provide a brief visual introduction to careers and the world of work. You must be logged in to Employ Florida Marketplace to access the above link.

Learning Link

The Learning Link offers adult learners instruction in reading, writing, math, communication, financial literacy, job searching, employability, and life skills. You must be logged in to Employ Florida Marketplace to access the above link.

Supported Employment

Supported employment helps job seekers with significant disabilities go to work. It provides intensive supports and extended services to help the person perform their job. Ongoing supports are provided by a job coach and include matching the worker with the right job, training to make sure the person with a disability is able to understand and learn the skills, and regular monitoring. Supported Employment is paid for through two state programs: Vocational Rehabilitation pays for the initial job match and on-the-job training and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities pays for ongoing supports while the person is working.

Employers

The “Abilities Work” Help Desk is here to assist employers and job seekers with disabilities in navigating the disability support system as seamlessly as possible. For assistance, please call the Help Desk toll-free at (844) 245-3405 or email AbilitiesWorkHD@vr.fldoe.org.

Finding qualified and dependable employees is one of the greatest challenges many business leaders face. People with disabilities have the talents, skills, and abilities you need. They are dependable, enthusiastic and some of the most loyal employees you will find. Many of America's finest companies seek and hire people with disabilities, and they have found it to be an appropriate and effective business move. Why not join them?

"There are plenty of capable people with disabilities out there to hire. They do a great job and become part of the company family." -- Joe Pores, Call 4 Health

Where Can I Find New Employees?

The Employ Florida Marketplace website can be a valuable tool for you in recruiting highly trained and motivated people in your community. The CareerSource centers can be a very cost effective and beneficial resource and partner in meeting your employment needs. To register or to create a job order, log on to Employ Florida Marketplace.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) can help you with your staffing needs. It is a win-win situation for both employees and employers. VR offers, qualified applicants, technical assistance and advice on accommodations, if needed, on-site Disability Awareness Training, reimbursement for On-the-Job Training costs including the trainee's salary, and necessary accommodations.

Recruitment Services

Post job openings, find qualified candidates, and access a wide variety of information designed to help your business succeed. Whether you're a manager or human resources specialist, you will find the resources you need for matching employment opportunities with qualified candidates. There are numerous CareerSource centers locations statewide where employers can go to receive assistance in connecting to and recruiting job seekers. These centers offer a wealth of resources including specialized staff.

Benefits to Employers

• Leverage federal tax incentives, when applicable, to realize tax credits ranging from $2,400 - $15,000.
• Reduce recruitment costs when you expand your access to talent.
• Avoid productivity losses from unfilled positions – when you have a larger talent pool, filling your positions can be easier and quicker.
• Reduce turnover costs with a talent pool that tends to stay with an employer longer.
• Create more efficient work processes, as evidenced by such companies as Walgreens and A&F Woods Company, which implemented accommodations for their workers with disabilities and experienced an overall increase in productivity.
• Having a workplace that reflects the customers it serves is smart business. Employing people with disabilities helps generate revenues by allowing you to tap into the disability market, build brand trust and loyalty, and create new products and services.
• Federal contractors can search for employees who have disabilities as required by the new Federal requirement.

Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Opportunities

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training bring job seekers who want to learn new skills together with employers who are looking for qualified workers. The result is a workforce with industry-driven training and employers with a competitive edge. Registered apprenticeship programs are highly flexible to match employers' needs, and can always be adjusted to meet employers' changing requirements. To learn more about establishing an apprenticeship program in your area, contact your local CareerSource center.

On-the-Job Training is an opportunity for you, the employer, to mentor a person with a disability. By participating in On-the-Job Training with VR or one of approximately 100 CareerSource centers across the state, you may receive reimbursement for the trainee's salary, support services (uniforms, tools, bus passes), job-site assessment and any needed accommodations. For more information on On-the-Job Training, visit rehabworks.org or contact a CareerSource center in your area by visiting CareerSource center.

Job Fairs

If you prefer to meet the job seekers you are interested in hiring, job fairs might be your answer. Most job fairs announce ahead of time a list of the employers and the positions they have open so you can get the word out about the positions you are trying to fill. For more information about participating in local job fairs, contact your local CareerSource center.

Even More Positive Reasons to Hire People with Disabilities

1. Accommodations are generally not expensive.

   A Harris survey indicates that nearly 70 percent of adults with disabilities who work or want to work do not need special equipment or technology. For those that do, two-thirds of accommodations cost less than $500, with nearly 25 percent costing nothing at all, according to the federal Job Accommodation Network. In Florida, the costs of workplace accommodations may be covered by VR.

2. Workers with disabilities have a positive effect on coworkers.

   "Watching someone who has overcome a major challenge in his or her life and manages the disability on the job raises morale and provides a good working environment for everyone." -- Jennifer Sheehy, U.S. Department of Education

3. People with disabilities make some of the most devoted, reliable, and passionate employees. People with disabilities tend to develop greater loyalties to their employers and remain in their positions for many years.

"A person with a disability is often more loyal and dedicated; you can count on them to come to work. It's more than a good business practice; it's the best thing to do for my business." -- Joel Hullet, General Manager, Pensacola Wal-Mart

In addition, tax credits through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may be available to employers who hire individuals with disabilities. The most frequently used employer incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities are the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Small Business Tax Credit, the Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction, and the Veterans Job Training Act.

Resources Page

The “Abilities Work” Help Desk is here to assist employers and job seekers with disabilities in navigating the disability support system as seamlessly as possible. For assistance, please call the Help Desk toll-free at (844) 245-3405 or email AbilitiesWorkHD@vr.fldoe.org.

The information and links on this page will provide you information about accessing resources that will assist you in searching for meaningful employment. There are numerous not-for-profit organizations and service providers that will be invaluable to you and your family. One of the most important websites is the Employ Florida Marketplace  website. For employment services the local Career Center is critical and can be an important partner in meeting your employment goals.

Florida Resources

CareerSource Florida

CareerSource Florida has a statewide network of career development professionals who work directly with Florida employers to align their demand for skilled talent with the needs of Floridians seeking employment and career development opportunities.

CareerSource Centers

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity offers CareerSource Centers to help you with your job search. The CareerSource center can help you find a job.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Resource Directory

The APD resource directory can help you find multiple resources in a variety of areas including personal care services, transportation, volunteer opportunities, transition programs, and more.

Florida Division of Blind Services

The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible.

The Able Trust

The Able Trust believes that when people with disabilities want to work, they should. The Trust supports individual non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues.

Brain Injury Association of Florida

The Brain Injury Association of Florida informs, educates, supports and advocates for Florida's 210,000 families living with traumatic brain injury.

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)

FAAST envisions a seamless supportive partnership between Florida businesses and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation from birth to death.

Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (ARF)

Florida ARF is a statewide, professional industry association that provides advocacy, information, and networking for individuals with disabilities and the community agencies that serve them.

Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged

We are an independent commission housed within the Florida Department of Transportation. Our Mission - To insure the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons.

Florida Department of Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program

The SAMH Program is responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity promotes economic opportunities for all Floridians, formulating and implementing successful workforce, community, and economic development policies and strategies. Choose a new career, or analyze your skills to find an occupation that best suits you.

Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services

The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services administers programs for students with disabilities and for gifted students. Additionally, the bureau coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to students with special needs.

Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA)

On their home page you will find links to the location of your nearest VA Medical Facility, a list of Florida Veteran Service Offices, a National Resource Directory, and other information.

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., advocates and promotes meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities.

Florida Independent Living Council

The Florida Independent Living Council is a statewide council established by federal mandate and Florida Statute.

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a statewide non-profit 501(c)3 organization that administers the Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program for citizens of Florida who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind and Speech Impaired.

National Resources

Job Accommodations Network

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

Think Beyond the Label

Think Beyond the Label is committed to making the business case for employing people with disabilities. They are a partnership of health and human service and employment agencies with federal grants, coming together to build a uniform national infrastructure and approach that connects businesses to qualified candidates with disabilities. Their goal is to raise awareness that hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense.

U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Disability Employment Policy

ADA Technical Assistance Program

The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Critical Mental Health Resources for College Students

This website is a comprehensive guide for college students struggling with mental health issues. It outlines common struggles faced by young adults, including symptoms, treatment options, and where to find support groups.

disAbility.gov

Disability.gov is an award-winning federal government website that provides an interactive, community-driven information network of disability-related programs, services, laws and benefits.

Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN)

Free consultation and technical assistance for employers seeking to recruit and hire qualified people with disabilities.

About EFM

The Employ Florida Marketplace (EFM) website is a powerful online tool designed to assist job seekers and students of all ages in their search for the right job. It can also help employers identify the best job candidates. The site serves as the hub for the state's workforce services as it focuses on job openings and job candidates. It is also a valuable resource for policy makers, researchers, and others seeking to explore and analyze local labor markets in Florida. With thousands of job listings extracted from employers all over Florida, finding job opportunities that fit your needs and skills is possible with a few mouse clicks. Employers searching for suitable candidates will benefit from the convenience of one website for potential candidate searches and to review job market trends. This dynamic information is contained in the statewide database to expand the job selection and recruitment process for every individual and employer. Up-to-date data available on the Employ Florida Marketplace includes a mix of job openings and employer information, as well as education and labor market research information. Job seekers, students and employers can use the site whenever they need accurate data to make informed decisions on careers, training, wages, and resource recruitment.

Take the time to discover new career opportunities and job candidates using the Employ Florida Marketplace site. There are twenty-four workforce regions in Florida. Each of these regions is accessible on the site. Updated information for the geographic area will display, whether your search ranges from a city in the Panhandle to a county in Central Florida; from the I-4 High Tech Corridor to Naples; or from Jacksonville to the Keys. Additionally, services offered on the Employ Florida Marketplace site are free of charge.