Empowering youth and adults across Florida through employment, training, and opportunity.
New Direction Career Services helps youth and adults build the skills, confidence, and experience to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence — through youth workforce development, paid work-based learning, and supported employment services.
Who we serve
A first job, and everything that has to happen before it
Pre-Employment Transition Services delivered one-on-one and tailored to each student — from first exploring careers to earning real, paid work experience.
Paid Work-Based Learning
Students earn money in 6–8 week On-the-Job Training experiences with a real host business — matched to their interests and supported by a job coach from day one.
- 1
Build a customized plan
An NDCS specialist meets one-on-one with each student to develop a plan based on their preferences and goals.
- 2
Match & interview
Students are matched with a host business by interest, schedule, travel radius, and age, and interview with job-coach support.
- 3
On-the-Job Training
Students earn money during 6–8 week experiences (averaging one to two months) with a job coach on the first day and regular check-ins.
- 4
Build a foundation
Students gain experience, work references, and community connections — and may repeat participation during eligibility.
Meaningful employment, with support that lasts
NDCS helps adults with disabilities obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment — pairing individualized job development with the ongoing coaching and follow-along support that makes it last.
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Specialized, hands-on instruction in a real work setting
- Skill-building to advance in a current field or enter a new one
- Employer-side support throughout the placement
Supported Employment
- Discovery & career exploration
- Job coaching and on-site support
- Workplace accommodations
- Employer consultation & support techniques
Our values spell it out.
Nine values guide how we work with every student, every adult, and every employer we partner with. Read the first letter of each one.
Dedication
We are passionate about obtaining a successful outcome and will go “above and beyond” for our clients.
Integrity
We maintain the highest standards of excellence and performance. We are transparent, honest, and ethical in our interaction with clients, VR Counselors, and employers.
Respect
We treat others as we expect to be treated by embracing every client’s unique skills and abilities.
Empowerment
We provide clients with the tools to obtain and maintain integrated competitive employment through job preparation and training.
Compassion
We walk in the shoes of the clients we serve. We strengthen our clients through understanding their desire to obtain employment.
Teamwork
We collaborate with clients, VR Counselors, and local employers to create positive outcomes for clients and employers.
Innovation
We anticipate job-placement challenges and create workable solutions to fit each client’s unique abilities in obtaining employment.
Optimism
We believe our clients can reach their full potential in the workplace, and dedicate ourselves to helping them achieve the highest level of success.
Noble
We are committed to ensuring that our clients demonstrate excellent moral character in the workplace.
Partner with us — at no payroll risk
Host businesses gain motivated students and a low-risk way to evaluate talent, while we handle the paperwork behind the scenes.
- NDCS acts as employer of record — we handle payroll, taxes, and recordkeeping.
- Liability and Workers' Compensation coverage provided for participating students.
- No obligation to hire, and no cost if you do.
- An onsite job coach supports both the student and your team.
Experience families and employers trust
More than fourteen years connecting individuals of all abilities to meaningful employment throughout Florida.
We’re hiring Employment Specialists and Job Coaches
If you want your work to change what someone believes is possible for themselves, come do it here.
Six weeks, paid, in a real workplace
Students are matched to a business by interest, schedule, and how far they can travel — then a job coach is there on day one.
Not sure where you fit?
Tell us a little about your situation and we will point you to the right program — or tell you honestly if another organization is the better fit.
Contact NDCS