Jewish Employment Vocational Services (JEVS)

Jewish Employment Vocational Service

 

Introduction

JEVS is the contracted provider of the Philadelphia Prison System’s Vocational Training Program. We develop and implement training programs in the following areas: Computer Training, Environmental Maintenance, Customer Service, Life Skills, World of Work/ Computer Literacy, Steps to Success and Building Maintenance. The training programs provide the inmates of the Philadelphia Prison System with transferable skills that they will be able to draw upon as they re-entry their communities. Programs are available Monday through Friday. The training schedule conforms to the City-employee designated and JEVS’ holiday vacation schedule.

 

Vocational Training

JEVS provides vocational training programs in seven priority areas: Computer Training, Environmental Maintenance, Customer Service, Life Skills, World of Work/Computer Literacy, Steps to Success and Building Maintenance. Courses are offered five days per week for three hours each day in the morning, afternoon and evening. Depending on the course, the full training curricula requires between four and six weeks to complete. Inmates are referred to one of the JEVS’ training programs upon the recommendation of their social workers. Upon successful completion of the course, the inmates will receive a Certificate of Completion.

 

Computer Training

This program teaches basic key boarding and word processing skills. Inmates are taught to format documents, make basic editorial corrections; arrange and execute standard business forms, reports, and correspondence; and explore other basic computer operations and word processing applications. This program is conducted in Riverside Correctional Facility for women and Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Facility for men.

 

Environmental Maintenance

JEVS offers training in Environmental Maintenance to male inmates in ASD, DC and HOC for men and in RCF for women. This course offers instruction in the proper use and operation of all floor machines and the maintenance of all chemicals, tools, and equipment used within the janitorial industry. Inmates learn all facets of industrial, residential, and commercial cleaning.

 

Customer Service

Customer Service training is offered to male inmates in ASD and female inmates in RCF. This program is designed for inmates with limited or no work experience, who are interested in a career in customer service or in administrative support positions. Inmates are taught skills that lend themselves to entry-level employment opportunities as customer service representatives, clerks, receptionists, data entry clerks, and clerical aides.

 

Life Skills

Life Skills has outsourced the provision of the Life Skills curricula to Amoore Assiociates, This program is conducted in the Cannery and HOC.

 

World of Work/Computer Literacy

JEVS provides instruction in World of Work to male inmates at PICC. World of Work integrates basic computer literacy and word processing into meaningful lessons on implementing a successful job search and job seeking techniques.

Steps to Success

The Steps to Success curriculum is self-paced and computer based. Locate in CFCF this program offers male inmates a variety of software packages that includes assessment tools that gauge inmates’ learning styles and priorities. Information is provided that to the inmate and instructor alike, as they prepare for the inmates re-entry into the community

Building Maintenance

The Building Maintenance program is offered to inmates in ASD. Inmates learn and develop hands-on skills related to the building trades. The curriculum covers carpentry, including framing metal, wood and dry wall; decorating; wall papering; ceramics and floor tiling; and plumbing, including installing and repairing fixtures.

Careerscope

JEVS is able to provide inmates access to CareerScope, a computer-based career assessment and reporting system. JEVS’ nationally –recognized research and developmemt arm, the Vocational Research Institute, developed CareerScope in 1996. It measures users’ interests and aptitudes and lends itself to career and educational planning.

Strategic Relationships

JEVS has developed a network of relationships with many aftercare providers in Philadelphia. To this end, we are able to alert inmates to possible job opportunities and organizations that can assist them to find employment upon their release.