Rockland County offers a highly educated, skilled and diversified workforce. Rockland also provides a spectrum of services and support to assist businesses with their workforce needs.
Rockland County offers a highly educated, skilled and diversified workforce. Rockland also provides a spectrum of services and support to assist businesses with their workforce needs.
From job placement and course offerings that provide stackable pathways to careers, to opportunities for networking and mentorship, Rockland County is positioned to assist with a holistic approach to your workforce needs.
SNAPSHOT OF ROCKLAND COUNTY’S WORKFORCE *:
Civilian Labor Force (percent of population age 16+): 63.9%
Total Employer Establishments: 10,348
Top Industry Sectors by Employment:
*Source: US Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2020.
Top Degrees Conferred by Institutions of Higher Education in Rockland*:
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System 2021.
Rockland County presents a unified front for businesses through its various partnerships and collaborations with local organizations including the following:
Rockland Community College’s Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation Division designs courses and programs with flexible schedules, small class numbers, and reasonably priced tuition to meet the requirements of working adults.
Rockland Works is a grant-funded program offered in partnership with the Workforce Development Board of Rockland County (WDBRC). Rockland Works is the county’s one-stop employment and training resource, supporting both the employment and training needs of job seekers and the staffing needs of local employers. Located at the BOCES Educational Resource Center (BERC) in Nyack, all services are provided free of charge.
The Workforce Development Board of Rockland County (WDBRC) is a volunteer body responsible for policy guidance and oversight of workforce development in Rockland County. WDBRC directs federal, state, and local funding to programs for adults, dislocated workers and youth to help them acquire the skills employers want and help employers access the talent pool they need to compete and win in a global economy.
There are many benefits for businesses that hire people with disabilities. These include improvements in job retention; dependability and flexibility; attitude; profitability and a competitive advantage. Businesses that hire workers with disabilities may also be eligible for various state and federal tax incentives.
According to the Job Accommodation Network, the median cost to employers for providing accommodations for employees with disabilities is just $300 (one-time), and many accommodations are lower cost or even free. Hiring qualified workers of all abilities just makes good business sense!
For more information, please see the resources listed below.
ACCES-VR helps 13,000 individuals annually to find jobs. ACCES-VR partners with workforce development groups, Chambers of Commerce, and human resource groups to stay abreast of local business trends and your hiring needs.
ACCES-VR can assist businesses with the following:
BRIDGES was founded in 1987 under the name Rockland Independent Living Center (RILC). BRIDGES is a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities.
REMOVING BARRIERS, ADVANCING AUTONOMY
Jawonio Community Employment Services has been a cornerstone of workforce development in the Lower Hudson Valley for over 30 years. We’re dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their career goals, with services available in English, Spanish, Creole, and American Sign Language. Our comprehensive approach has successfully placed over 6,000 individuals into jobs, boasting an impressive average employment tenure of more than seven years.
Our services are designed to provide a holistic and individualized pathway to employment. We begin with Vocational Assessments to understand an individual’s capabilities and career interests. From there, Pre-Employment Transition Services offer vital training in workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and job exploration. We also provide unique Communication Coaching Support Services, helping individuals develop stronger interpersonal communication skills essential for both school and work environment.
Jawonio leverages an extensive network of over 200 business relationships to facilitate Job Development, assisting job seekers with everything from resume writing and interview preparation to identifying and maintaining references. Through our Employment Training Program, we offer intensive support and even paid internships that can last up to 12 months, aiming to transition individuals into permanent, competitive employment with long-term support,
Our commitment extends beyond job placement with Intensive Supported Employment and Extended Supported Employment. Highly trained staff provide ongoing support, acting as a liaison between employers and participants. This includes job training, interpreting services, assistive technology, and continuous counseling to ensure sustained job performance and career growth. We believe that strong, ongoing relationships with our staff are key to participant success.
For more information, please contact:
Isabel Newmeyer | Coordinator of Job Development
isabel.newmeyer@jawonio.org | 845.814.8412
The Northeast ADA Center is a member of the ADA National Network, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
The ADA Center provides information, guidance, and training on implementation of all aspects of the ADA. Located at the Yang-Tan Institute in the ILR School at Cornell University, the ADA Center’s staff consists of individuals with and without disabilities who have extensive experience in the disability field.
The Northeast ADA Center also provides information and resources to assist small business in successfully hiring and retaining people with disabilities through its Small Business At Work Toolkit.
Rockland Community Services is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families. Through advocacy, support programs, and inclusive services, we strive to create a community where every person, regardless of ability, is valued, respected, and provided with the resources they need to thrive. We provide educational advocacy, OPWDD assistance, help with youth transition to adulthood, employment connections and classes. Our knowledge-base is for developmental and mental health, and our commitment to fostering independence, dignity, and inclusion drives our efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, support networks, and services that enable them to lead fulfilling lives.
The mission of the Rockland County Office for People with Disabilities (RCOPWD) is to provide information, resources, and advocacy, and to promote independence and well-being for Rockland County residents with disabilities.