CGS offers three levels (“modules”) of Work Readiness Services:

•  Level 1 Module focuses on the development of such key “Soft Skills” as preparing a resume, handling an interview, adjusting to workplace culture and demonstrating the social skills expected of all employees. At the conclusion of this module, CGS helps the consumer to find an employer-based work experience opportunity.

•  Level 2 Module focuses on the development of the skills needed for employment in fields such as Retail, Food Service or Mailroom. By the time our consumers graduate, they have a solid grasp of entry-level skills in their field and are ready to advance to the next phase – putting their skills into practice.

•  Level 3 Module focuses on assisting the consumer to put the skills developed in Level 1 and Level 2 into practice on a jobsite. At least 1/3 of this module must be spent in a community-based setting – chosen in accordance with the individual’s IPE career goals - in which the consumer must demonstrate that s/he can now meet the employer’s expectations for an entry-level worker. In Level 3, the consumers make the transition to experiencing firsthand how both specific work readiness skills and soft skills combine to enable them to successfully maintain employment.

The skills developed in Work Readiness Services prepare consumers for three occupations:

•  Retail Merchandising prepares consumers for competitive employment as sales associates,
cashiers, and stock clerks in department stores, specialty and fashion shops, discount stores,
and drug store chains.
The consumers acquire skills such as customer service, selling techniques, knowledge of
stock and inventory control, ticketing/tagging/ labeling, cashiering, merchandising display, gift
wrapping, packing and bow-making, store security and theft detection, and how merchandise is
returned and payments refunded.


•  Mailroom prepares consumers for competitive employment as mailroom clerks, copy clerks,
document imaging clerks, and messengers in a variety of mailroom operations.
The consumers learn to sort mail, use copy and scanning machines, use hand-held computers
to record incoming and outgoing mail, and run the Pitney Bowes Digital Mailing System
(postage meter). They also become familiar with general post office requirements, indoor and
outdoor messenger work, stock room management and office supplies distribution.


•  Food Service prepares consumers for competitive employment as hot and cold food prep
people, sandwich makers, dining room attendants, dishroom attendants, servers or counter
persons in hospital, corporate, catering and restaurant settings.
The consumers learn a variety of skills in such areas as customer service, basic food
preparation techniques, knife use, dining room service, sandwich making, sanitation and food
health and safety, dishroom maintenance, and food delivery.


The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors provide individual and group counseling, teach stress management techniques, and help the consumers to develop workplace coping skills; appropriate behavior and relationships vis-à-vis supervisors, co-workers and customers. Taught along with the specific competencies needed in each of the three fields described above, this enables the consumers to graduate with both the vocational and the social skills required in today’s highly competitive job market.

Job Development and Placement services are incorporated into Work Readiness Services. The Job Developers provide hands-on job placement and follow-up services to every graduate. Through their community-based internships, classroom instruction, and a well-coordinated support system that enables them to make a smooth and sustainable transition from school to employment, CGS consumers are well prepared for the world of work.