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