Vocational Rehabilitation

Our Vocational Rehabilitation Services support adults with disabilities in finding and obtaining equitable employment opportunities in the community while providing ongoing support to help them succeed in those roles.

We work alongside individuals as they explore career goals, build hands-on experience, and find the right fit through real-world opportunities and personalized job coaching. Our focus goes beyond job placement; it’s about building long-term success and supporting workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Who Can Receive Services

Our services are available for adults with a range of disabilities, not just developmental disabilities.

This includes individuals with:

Autism
Cerebral palsy
PTSD
Mental health challenges
Physical disabilities
Veterans and others with barriers to employment

To connect with our team about receiving services, contact info@flatheadindustries.org.

Services We Provide

We support individuals in finding employment based on their interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. This includes every step of the employment process, from identifying the right opportunities to preparing for success in the workplace.

Support Includes

Identifying strengths, interests, and career goals
Job search assistance
Resume building and application support
Interview preparation and coaching
Connecting with local employers and community opportunities
Support transitioning into employment

Job Shadows & Informational Interviews

We coordinate job shadows and informational interviews with individuals wanting to learn more about a position before starting, allowing them to learn what the job looks like in practice—including responsibilities, pace, and work environment—to determine if it’s a career they’d like to pursue.

Work Experiences

A work experience is a short-term opportunity where an individual can try out a job in a true workplace setting. These experiences typically include up to 40 hours of participation completed over a three-month period.

During this time, individuals are supported as they learn job tasks, observe day-to-day responsibilities, and gain a clearer understanding of whether the role is the right fit for them long-term—and may lead to permanent employment once the work experience is over.

On-the-Job Support

Once employment begins, we provide on-the-job support tailored to each individual’s needs. We also provide assistance that a company may not have the time or resources to offer on their own.

Support looks different for every person and may include:

One-on-one job coaching during shifts
Help learning job tasks and routines
Guidance with communication and workplace expectations
Advocacy and support with supervisors
Ongoing check-ins to ensure long-term success

Even when direct support is minimal, we continue to shadow clients regularly and check in with supervisors to ensure the employee continues to succeed in their role.

Long-Term Success

The end goal goes beyond employment placement; it’s about building meaningful experiences and lasting success for individuals. We strive to foster independence, confidence, and sustainable employment outcomes while supporting businesses in creating inclusive workplaces for everyone to succeed.

Benefits to Families and Caregivers

The program provides reliable daytime support and structure, giving families and caregivers reassurance that their loved ones are engaged in purposeful activities that promote engagement, learning, and long-term growth.

Why It Matters for Individuals

We are deeply community-focused and work closely with businesses across the Flathead Valley to expand inclusive employment opportunities. If you have a business in the community and would be open to hosting a work experience, internship, or becoming part of this program, reach out to info@flatheadindustries.org.

Learn More

For more information about the Bridge the Gap Program, please contact:
Patrick Maddison (406) 755-7656 Ext. 245