Ability in Action.
Resources at Work.
Self-Sufficiency for Life.
Centralized DEI job placement, job training, and workforce readiness hub—where community wellness meets career opportunity.
Core Services
Community Wellness & Engagement
Culturally responsive outreach, stigma-reduction education, and community-based wellness programming serve as the welcoming front door to ARS services—meeting participants where they are and building trust before formal employment services begin.
Skill Empowerment & Training
Foundational and industry-aligned job training delivered through the ARS Orientation online learning module system, focusing on soft skills, digital literacy, workplace readiness, and wellness-informed professional competencies adapted from public health and community curricula.
Career Readiness
Support
Resume development, interview preparation, workplace communication, individualized employment planning, and holistic barrier navigation—including stress management, benefits counseling, and housing stability support—to ensure job seekers are fully prepared for competitive employment.
Inclusive Job
Opportunities
Direct job placement and employer matching using Work Onward, connecting job seekers to inclusive employers committed to diversity, equity, and accessibility—including recovery-friendly and disability-inclusive workplaces educated through ARS employer partnerships.
Growth & Success Pathways
Long-term retention, career advancement planning, wage progression, promotion support, and financial and benefits coaching that helps participants sustain employment without losing critical stability supports.
Peer Mentorship & Lived Experience Coaching
Find your footing with someone who truly understands your journey. ARS WorkAbility’s Peer Mentorship connects job seekers with trained mentors who’ve overcome similar barriers and built successful careers. Real-world, culturally grounded guidance makes the path forward possible.
Value Proposition
Ability
Empowering individuals with disabilities and employment barriers to achieve meaningful, competitive employment—beginning with trusted community engagement that meets people where they are.
Resources
Leveraging Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) funding, WIOA programs, Employability CA, nonprofit partnerships, and community wellness networks to create a comprehensive support ecosystem for job seekers and employers.
Self-Sufficiency
Supporting long-term economic independence through employment, retention, career growth, and equity-focused financial coaching that preserves critical benefits during the transition to self-sufficiency.
Welcome To ARS WorkAbility
ARS WorkAbility is an independent workforce development platform
ARS WorkAbility is an independent workforce development platform designed to connect job seekers with disabilities and other employment barriers to inclusive employers through Work Onward job placement, ARS online training modules, multi-agency partnerships, and culturally responsive community wellness outreach that serves as an authentic entry point to career services.
Who We Serve
Job Seekers
- Individuals with disabilities
- Immigrants and refugees
- Historically underrepresented job seekers
- DOR-eligible clients
- Community members engaged through wellness and outreach programming
Employers
- Inclusive businesses
- Source America-affiliated employers
- Companies seeking DEI talent pipelines
- Recovery-friendly and disability-inclusive workplaces
Funders & Public Partners
- California Department of Rehabilitation
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Foundations and public agencies
- Community health and wellness funders
Who We Are
We Provide Personalized Support
The ARS DEI Job Placement Hub connects talented job seekers from diverse and underrepresented communities with employers committed to inclusive workplaces. We provide personalized support from job readiness to long-term success in your career.
Who We Serve:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Immigrants and refugees
- Historically underrepresented job seekers
Placements
Retention
Advancement
Community Engagement
Impact Snapshot
Faqs
STEP 1 — Getting Started (Find a Job / Get Training)
STEP 1 — Getting Started (Find a Job / Get Training)
What is ARS WorkAbility?
ARS WorkAbility is a workforce support website that helps people prepare for work, find jobs, and succeed on the job through training, coaching, and employer partnerships.
Is ARS WorkAbility the same as asianrehab.org?
No. ARS WorkAbility is a separate website focused only on job placement and job training. We may connect you to tools and training that ARS provides, but this website is dedicated to employment services.
Who can use ARS WorkAbility?
People looking for:
- A job (part-time or full-time)
- Job training and career readiness support
- Ongoing coaching to keep a job and grow
You do not need to have everything figured out to start.
Do I need a referral to sign up?
No. You can start on your own. If you have a referral (DOR, nonprofit partner, Regional Center), you can add it during signup.
STEP 2 — Quick Check (2–3 Minutes)
STEP 2 — Quick Check (2–3 Minutes)
Why do you ask what I need right now?
So we can connect you to the right support—job matching, training, or a career navigator—without making you answer a long form.
Do I need to have a disability to use ARS WorkAbility?
Not always. Some services are focused on disability employment and DOR clients, but ARS WorkAbility also supports other job seekers who face barriers to employment.
I’m not sure what I need. Is that okay?
Yes. Choose “Not sure / need guidance.” We can help you figure out the next step.
Will you ask for documents right away?
No. We start simple. If any documents are needed later (for certain programs), we will explain why and help you.
STEP 3 — Basic Profile (Name + Contact) Why do you need my phone or email?
STEP 3 — Basic Profile (Name + Contact)
Why do you need my phone or email?
So we can contact you about next steps, training, job matches, or appointments. We only ask for the minimum needed.
What if I don’t have email?
That’s okay. You can use a phone number instead.
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Can I choose my preferred language?
Yes. We want to communicate in the language you are most comfortable using.
What if I need accommodations to communicate?
You can tell us what helps (example: text instead of phone calls, extra time, interpreter). We will do our best to support you.
STEP 4 — Pathway Routing (How We Decide What Happens Next)
STEP 4 — Pathway Routing (How We Decide What Happens Next)
How do you decide what services I get?
Based on your answers, we may connect you to:
- Job placement and matching
- Job training (online or supported)
- Career navigation (extra help to plan)
- Partner referrals (if you need services outside our scope)
What if I want both training and a job?
That’s common. You can do both. We may suggest training first if it helps you get better job matches.
Yes. Your plan can change as your goals change.
Yes. Your plan can change as your goals change.
STEP 5A — If You Have a DOR Counselor (DOR-Aligned Pathway)
STEP 5A — If You Have a DOR Counselor (DOR-Aligned Pathway)
What is DOR?
DOR stands for the California Department of Rehabilitation. They support eligible people with disabilities to prepare for work, find jobs, and keep employment.
Do I need DOR to get services?
No, not always. But if you are a DOR client, we can coordinate services better.
Will you contact my DOR counselor?
Only if you give us permission. We will ask for your consent first.
What if I don’t know my counselor’s name?
That’s okay. We can still help you start.
STEP 5B — If You’re Ready to Work (Placement-First Pathway)
How do you match me to jobs?
We use your preferences (type of job, schedule, location, strengths) and match you to employers and opportunities. We also support job carving or customized roles when appropriate.
What is Work Onward?
Work Onward is a job placement partner platform used to help connect job seekers with employers. If your pathway includes job matching, we may use Work Onward as part of that process.
Will you guarantee me a job?
We can’t guarantee a job, but we will support you with job matching, preparation, and coaching to increase your chances and help you succeed.
Do you help with interviews and resumes?
Yes. We offer career readiness support including resumes, interview practice, and workplace communication.
STEP 5C — If You Need Training First (Training-First Pathway)
What kind of training do you offer?
Training may include:
It’s an online learning module system that helps job seekers build skills for employment. You may be asked to complete modules as part of your pathway.
- Job readiness (resume, interviewing, workplace behavior)
- Communication skills
- Digital skills
- Industry skill basics
- Certificates (when available)
What is the ARS Orientation training system?
Work Onward is a job placement partner platform used to help connect job seekers with employers. If your pathway includes job matching, we may use Work Onward as part of that process.
Do I need a computer?
Not always. Many trainings can be done on a phone. If you need help accessing training, tell us.
How long does training take?
It depends on your goals and the modules assigned. Some modules take under an hour; others are longer. We will guide you.
STEP 5D — If You Need More Help (Career Navigation Pathway)
What is a Career Navigator?
A Career Navigator is someone who helps you:
- Identify goals
- Understand barriers
- Build a step-by-step plan
- Connect to the right services (training, coaching, partner support)
I’ve been out of work a long time—can you still help?
Yes. Many people start here. We’ll support you with a plan that fits your situation.
What if I need support beyond jobs (housing, benefits, health)?
We can help connect you to partner organizations and resources. If we aren’t the best fit, we will try to refer you to someone who is.
STEP 5E — Partner Referrals (If Another Organization Is a Better Fit)
Why would you refer me to a partner?
Sometimes another nonprofit or agency may be closer to your location, better matched to your needs, or able to provide specialized support.
Will you still follow up with me?
If you agree, yes—we can do a check-in to make sure you got connected.
Do you share my information with partners?
Only if you give permission. We will explain what is shared and why.
STEP 6 — Consent, Privacy, and Safety Is my information private?
STEP 6 — Consent, Privacy, and Safety
Is my information private?
We protect your information and only use it for employment services and support.
What does “consent” mean?
Consent means you agree to:
- Let us use your information to support your job and training services
- (Optional) Let us share certain information with employers or partners when needed
What if I don’t want my information shared with employers yet?
That’s okay. You can still do training and planning first. We won’t share without your permission
STEP 7 — After You Submit (What Happens Next)
STEP 7 — After You Submit (What Happens Next)
What happens after I sign up?
You will get a message (text/email) confirming:
- Your next step (appointment, training, or job matching)
- How to contact us if you need help
How long does it take to hear back?
We aim to respond quickly. If you don’t hear back soon, contact us through the Contact page and we’ll help.
What if I miss a call or appointment?
No problem. We will provide options to reschedule or message us.
Bonus FAQs (Common Questions)
Bonus FAQs (Common Questions)
Does ARS WorkAbility cost money?
Most services are free to job seekers. Some programs are funded through public partners or grants.
Do you help people who don’t speak English?
Yes. Language support is available depending on staffing and partner resources. Tell us your preferred language.
Can you help me keep my job after I’m hired?
Yes. We provide retention support, coaching, and problem-solving to help you succeed long-term.
Can you help me get promoted or earn more?
Yes. Career advancement planning is part of our model when you’re ready.
Do You Want to Transform Your Life For Better
