March 2026

This month we talked to Colleen Collick, the Director of The Arc of New Jersey's Project HIRE, New Jersey's oldest Supported Employment program.

1. Can you tell us a little about Project HIRE, and your role there? Project HIRE is an employment program designed to help people with disabilities prepare for, find and maintain competitive integrated employment (CIE). The program focuses on individualized career planning, job development, employer connections and ongoing long term support once someone is working. My role as Director of the program is to provide leadership, oversee daily operations, support the team, and make sure participants receive meaningful and quality services.

2. How many people with disabilities are currently working, or searching for work, with Project HIRE? The number of people working with Project HIRE can change frequently as individuals move into jobs, enroll in our program, and graduate from the program. As of today we currently have 590 participants enrolled in our program . This number does not include our Ticket to Work program that is a benefits counseling service or our Career Pathway Evaluation Pilot program that currently has 32 referrals received.

3. When would be a good age to get in touch with Project HIRE, if you are interested in finding CIE? Our Pre-ETS program starts during transition services at age 14. Ideally, individuals begin services during their exiting year of school or shortly after high school graduation. That said, adults of any age who are interested in Competitive Integrated Employment are encouraged to reach out.

4. What is the process of signing up with Project HIRE? What is needed before you can sign on with Project HIRE? The sign up process begins with a referral from a school, vocational rehabilitation agency (DVRS) or from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Before enrolling individuals typically need: eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, documentation of a disability and an interest in working in the community. Once the individual is referred to Project HIRE the individual meets with an assigned staff member to complete intake, discuss vocational goals and develop an employment plan. Project HIRE is currently in the following counties: Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Sussex, Waren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Essex, Union, and Ocean. 

5. Can you tell us a little about Project Search? Project SEARCH is a school to work transition program for young adults with disabilities who are usually in their last year of high school. This program is based at Overlook Medical Center in Summit and is a full year program that combines classroom instruction and hands-on internships throughout the hospital. Participants each rotate through three rounds of internships to learn about various jobs in the hospital, build employability skills and receive job coaching support from a skills trainer. The program typically has 8 interns enrolled in the program. After a graduation ceremony in June, Project HIRE works to place the individual in competitive employment. Project HIRE has received awards for Excellent Employment Outcome, which means that 70% or more of the graduating interns have been placed in entry level positions. 

6. Why is Competitive Integrated Employment so important for people with disabilities? Competitive Integrated Employment is important because it provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to earn fair wages, work alongside co-workers without disabilities, and to be included in their community . CIE promotes confidence, financial stability, and independence .Individuals with disabilities have valuable skills and can contribute as active members in the workforce. 

If you are interested in working with Project HIRE you can find more information here: https://www.arcnj.org/programs/project-hire/

We Would Love to Hear Your Story!

Do you have an employer you would like to spotlight? Are you proud of the employment journey of one of your individuals and want to share? With permission submitted from the employer/individual, we are thrilled to promote what Employment First can accomplish!

If you are interested in expressing your journey, please consider sharing what APSE means to you! Please answer some questions below and submit them with the button below. We can't wait to hear about all of your great experiences! Please send a headshot and basic information about you and your workplace.

• What has been your experience with APSE?
• What do you enjoy the most about NJAPSE?
• How have you grown during your time with APSE?
• What success stories have you had with APSE?
• What benefits does APSE contribute to you and the community? 

We look forward to hearing from you!

DVRS CRP Unit Training Announcements

All trainings are held remotely via zoom

CBWE Training 

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 // 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The objectives for this training include:

• Define the service- “Community Based Work Evaluation” (CBWE)
• Understand the difference between CBWE and other evaluative services
• Discuss the purpose, process, and flow 
• Review forms, policies and procedures for participants and providers 

Building financial wellness is about more than managing money. It’s about creating independence, stability, and opportunity.

National Disability Institute, supported by the New Jersey Inclusive Healthy Communities (NJ-IHC) project, is hosting a four-part webinar series for people with disabilities, their families, and community partners across New Jersey.

Each session focuses on essential topics, including the foundations of financial empowerment, navigating Social Security benefits, and managing the extra costs of disability. Join subject matter experts to gain practical strategies that support financial inclusion and economic stability.

EEOC Disability-Related Resources

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The EEOC enforces federal disability laws and provides a wealth of resources for job applicants, employees, employers, and medical providers. Their materials include fact sheets, guidance documents, and technical assistance to help understand disability discrimination in the workplace.

Key areas include:

• Disability‑Related Publications: Clear, practical guidance on rights and responsibilities.
• Latest EEOC Disability News: Up-to-date press releases and announcements.
• How EEOC Can Help: Information for applicants, employees, and employers on navigating disability-related issues.
• Federal Disability Laws & Regulations: The legal foundation for workplace protections.

Hiring Events and Job Fairs

National APSE Events and Learning

Day Hab to Employment Community of Practice

Meets on the 4th Thursday

from 12-1pm EST

Learn about Day Hab providers moving towards employment

PRE-ETS Community of Practice

Meets on the 3rd Thursday

from 1-2pm EST

Join professionals from across the country to focus on Pre-ETS. Many provider agencies have been providing services for transition age youth (students) for many years, but others are newer to the experience. Once a month we will come together to share ideas, resources, experiences, and support each other to improve outcomes for students with disabilities during and after high school.

APSE Public Policy Committee:

State Policy Meeting

Meets on the LAST Tuesday

from 2-3pm EST

The committee has two fundamental objectives: to act as a forum to get updates on various policy

related issues and get input on issues; to provide opportunities for members to assist in advancing

APSE's public policy agenda via contributing time and energy to APSE's various public policy activities.

Interested in learning more? Join the Public Policy Committee by emailing info@apse.org!