The Next Step Center (NSC) is a non-profit organization located on the VA grounds in Menlo Park and has provided comprehensive employment services to veterans since 1988. Using a "whole person" model approach to vocational rehabilitation, coupled with intensive case management, the Next Step Center has served thousands of veterans since its inception and placed them in a wide variety of positions throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. NSC provides area employers with qualified, pre-screened candidates for part-time, full-time, permanent and temporary employment.
In an effort to reintegrate veterans into the workforce, NSC staffs a professional team of specialists who work together in providing a variety of in-house services in a convenient "one-stop" access to comprehensive vocational and employment services. These services include: career and skills assessment and development, vocational counseling, resume and employment development and placement, information and referral services, computer and Internet access, educational and training resources, and a state-of-the-art equipped resource room. On-the-job training is available for veterans who meet funding requirements. Foothill College offers basic computer and office skills and Internet training. The Employment Development Department (EDD) is also a part of our team, assigning representatives on-site to register veterans for employment services.
NSC maintains a Resource Room where veterans are encouraged to conduct proactive job searches implementing skills learned in Job Skills and computer classes. The Resource Room provides access to computers for word processing, the Internet, fax and telephone service, and a well-stocked library of employment-related resource materials ranging from extensive job postings and daily classifieds to employment hotlines maintained by local, state and federal agencies. Video equipment is available for veterans to view various education training tapes addressing employment-related subjects such as a career assessment, job search skills and effective interviewing techniques.
Employment Specialists work closely with individual veterans in developing resumes, creating job search strategies and locating appropriate employment. Veterans participate in a video-taped mock interview process designed to prepare them for job interviews. Resumes approved for posting are also published on the Internet for maximum exposure to the business community.
Veterans requiring additional services, including medical and mental health, may be referred to the appropriate provider. Homeless veterans are case-managed into various extended term shelter facilities, allowing for stability during employment preparation. After a homeless veteran is placed into employment, he may be referred to the program's tranisitonal housing service. This service gives residents a structured opportunity to redefine and develop the skills necessary to reenter the community as employed and productive citizens.
Next Step partners include Foothill College, Employment Development Department, North Valley Workforce Board, State Department of Rehabilitation, PeninsularWorks,Employer Advisory Council and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
We are also members of: