HealingUS Communities launches recovery-to-work program in New Jersey

HealingUS Communities has opened enrollment for a free employment pathway program funded through New Jersey’s Pathways to Recovery initiative. The program will serve opioid-impacted adults in seven counties with career coaching, job training and support services aimed at helping participants find and keep work.

Why it matters: - The new program is designed to move people affected by the opioid crisis into jobs, which can improve financial stability and support long-term recovery. - The initiative also tackles common barriers to employment, including transportation, childcare and credentialing costs. - The program is open now for eligible adults in seven New Jersey counties.

What happened: - HealingUS Communities launched a new employment pathway program through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Pathways to Recovery initiative. - Enrollment is now open for adults who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the opioid crisis. - HealingUS Communities will serve residents of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties. - The program is free. - The program is based in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

The details: - Each participant will work with a dedicated case manager to identify career goals and build an individualized employment plan. - Services include career planning, resume development, interview preparation, job-readiness coaching and employer connections. - Participants will also be connected to employment trainings tied to in-demand occupations. - Supportive services may include transportation, childcare, identification assistance, work clothing, personal protective equipment, tools, training supplies and certain credentialing costs. - Support continues after hiring through 30-, 60- and 90-day follow-up. - Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in one of the seven service counties, have been impacted by the opioid crisis and need workforce services, training or retraining. - Additional eligibility, enrollment, funding and availability requirements apply. - People can learn more or apply through the program page. - Program inquiries can be sent to p2r@healingus.org or by calling (888) 961-3336. - Employers interested in partnering with the program can contact p2r@healingus.org or (888) 961-3336.

Between the lines: - The program pairs recovery support with employment services, reflecting a model that treats work as part of stabilization, not just a separate outcome. - The case-management and job-retention follow-up suggest the goal is not only placement, but keeping participants employed. - The initiative’s county-based structure means access will depend on geography as well as eligibility.

What's next: - Eligible residents can begin applying now. - HealingUS Communities is seeking employer partners willing to hire program participants. - Participants who enroll will move through career planning, training and post-employment follow-up as services and funding allow.

The bottom line: - HealingUS Communities is expanding a state-funded recovery-to-work model that links opioid-impacted New Jersey residents with training, support services and jobs.