The Transition Partnership Program (TPP) collaborates between East Side Union High School District, the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and Expandability Programs of Goodwill of Silicon Valley that provides services to transition-aged high school students. The program is designed to serve students with autism spectrum disorder psychological and emotional disabilities who can benefit from school-to-work transition services. The TPP program guides students to complete an educational program, participate in vocational planning, transition to work, and transition to adult mental health service.

How It Works

The Santa Clara County Mental Health Department Community Services and Supports Plan identified transitional youth with mental health disabilities as the most at-risk population and one of the least served. Since adult mental health services start at the age of 25, this is critical to engage and provide guidance and support, augmenting the few services available to transitional youth with mental health disabilities.

The Transition Partnership Program (TPP) collaborates between East Side Union High School District, the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and Expandability Programs of Goodwill of Silicon Valley that provides services to transition-aged high school students. The program is designed to serve students with autism spectrum disorder psychological and emotional disabilities who can benefit from school-to-work transition services. The TPP program guides students to complete an educational program, participate in vocational planning, transition to work, and transition to adult mental health service.

At Expandability, we provide:
Individualized employment preparation – developing a Career Portfolio, which includes a resume (both paper and electronic), cover letters, thank you letters, letters of reference, master application, and possible work samples.
Communicating in the Workplace activities will include assistance and instruction to understand appropriate work behaviors, grooming, and hygiene. Included in work behaviors is general knowledge of work practices; how to relate to and communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and customers; developing problem-solving strategies appropriate to the work environment; stress management and proper management of emotional responses; understanding any necessary accommodations and how to request them.
Job Development – ongoing marketing to employers to develop job opportunities to fit the wide range of needs, interests and skills, and participants’ experience. Part and full-time positions will be secured based on participants’ interests, stamina, abilities, accommodation needs, transportation options, and job availability.

Job placement and support services – include assistance with preparing specific applications for employment (both paper and online) and pre-employment surveys/questionnaires thorough to and required by the employer.

Support Services: We help the participant understand the requirements and expectations of the job, identify and correct any potential issues that may affect the participant learning the essential functions of the job as well as adjust to the required tasks, environment, work culture, communication styles and standards and performance expectations of the employer. Including on-site support services and off-site interventions for the participant:

• Job orientation
• Teaching job tasks
• Supervision at the worksite
• Coworker/supervisor consultation
• Assistance in integrating the participant into the work environment through natural supports
• Assistance in changes in the work environment impacting the potential for job retention
• Help with public support agencies
• Family and residential provider consultation
• Contact with the participant and employer to ensure continued job satisfaction.
• Support and counseling necessary to maintain employment

Using the framework of a paying job and career development, the students gain the skills and develop the desire to create a healthy lifestyle to support their future goals.