Pathways to Recovery

The MCDWD Pathways to Recovery Program seeks to strengthen the network of employment supports for participants affected by the opioid epidemic. Our Pathways Team strives to improve opportunities for opioid-impacted participants by providing the following; assistance creating Individualized Employment Plans that outline employment goals, basic skills instruction, workforce readiness (employability skills) instruction, career training (if applicable) and work experience which will emphasize re-entry into the workplace and retention of employment.

Program Eligibility Requirements:

• Resident of Monmouth County;

• Directly or indirectly impacted by the opioid crisis;

  • Participants will be asked the following question: Your answer to this question is voluntary.   Do you, a friend, or any member of your family have a history of opioid use? Please answer “Yes” or “No”.

• Meets one of the following criteria:

  • Has been terminated or laid off, or has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment;
  • An individual temporarily or permanently laid off because of the opioid crisis;
  • A long-term unemployed individual; or
  • A self-employed individual who became unemployed or significantly underemployed as a result of the opioid crisis

• Willingness to complete identified training and obtain employment; and

• For the purpose of this program, long-term unemployed is defined as any individual who is:

  • Unemployed at time of eligibility determination; and
  • Has been unemployed for 15 or more nonconsecutive weeks over the last 26 weeks; and
  • Has made specific efforts to find a job.

Or

  • Is significantly underemployed at time of eligibility determination; and
  • Has or had been unemployed for 15 or more nonconsecutive weeks over the last 26 weeks; and
  • Has made specific efforts to find a job with self-sustaining wages/hours.

For additional information, please contact the Pathways to Recovery Team by calling 732-683-8850 or via email at sherri.washington@dol.nj.gov