Comprehensive Support and Resources for All Customers
At the Ocean County Career Center, we understand that navigating career, educational, and personal challenges can be overwhelming. We are committed to providing comprehensive support to job seekers, employers, and young adults, especially those facing barriers to success. Our goal is to connect you with essential resources and community services that can help you overcome these challenges and achieve your goals.
Training and Skill Development
Explore a variety of training programs and educational opportunities across New Jersey to enhance your skills and qualifications.
A career guidance tool that helps New Jersey residents explore career options, find training programs, and plan their career paths.
An online database that provides detailed descriptions of job roles and required skills, helping you find a career that matches your interests and abilities.
Ocean County Up-Skill: Access free online training designed to help Ocean County residents build in-demand skills. Metrix Learning offers self-paced courses in healthcare, IT, customer service, finance, and more to support your next career move.
Free ASL Courses: Learn American Sign Language through the Ocean County Library with ASL Inside, featuring video-based lessons and real-time signing feedback. Practice vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation at your own pace using Mango Languages online or on mobile.
Job Corps: Train for a career at no cost through Job Corps, a nationwide program for young adults ages 16–24. Gain hands-on experience, education, and support services to build skills and start a career pathway.
Labor Market Information and Statistics
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Access up-to-date labor market data, including employment statistics, wage information, and job outlook projections across the United States.
United States Department of Labor: Explore resources and information on employment laws, worker rights, and job training programs provided by the federal government.
State and Local Workforce Support
- NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development: The state agency offering employment services, job training programs, and support for New Jersey’s workforce.
- NJ Unemployment Insurance Filing: Quickly and easily file for unemployment benefits in New Jersey, with resources to guide you through the process.
Job Search and Employment Resources
- JOB SOURCE: A powerful job search tool that helps you find local employment opportunities and connect with employers in Ocean County and beyond.
- Career One Stop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored resource offering a wide range of tools for job seekers, including resume guides, career exploration, and training opportunities.
- New Jersey Career Connections: A state-run platform providing New Jersey residents with job search resources, career guidance, and labor market information.
- USAJOBS: The federal government’s official job board, offering a wide range of job opportunities across all federal agencies.
- Displaced Homemakers Program of Ocean County: Located at the Ocean County College, this program is designed to provide services to individuals who have lost their primary source of income due to separation, divorce, disability or death of the primary family provider and to help them become economically self-sufficient.
- Ocean County Vocational Technical School: Offers vocational training programs to enhance job skills.
Health, Human Services, and Community Resources
NJ Family Care: New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program, offering affordable coverage for eligible residents, including families, individuals, and children.
Ocean County Library: A valuable resource for job seekers offering access to computers, resume workshops, job search tools, and other educational resources.
Ocean County Human Services: Supports program development to address human services needs and offers resources and information for housing, food, mental health, and family support services to residents in need.
Food Pantries and Nutritional Support
- Fulfill: Fulfill is a local food bank providing nutritious food and services to alleviate hunger. The Ocean County Career Center visits Fulfill monthly to set up a table and offer our services.
- JBJ Soul Kitchen: JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit Community Restaurant, run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, that serves paying and in-need customers.
- A Need We Feed: A Need We Feed delivers freshly packaged, nutritious meals to our Veterans, seniors, children, and families in need in Ocean County, New Jersey.
Mental Health and Crisis Support
Mental health challenges can be a significant barrier to personal and professional success. We provide access to resources and support to help you navigate these challenges:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (click the link to call) Call or text 988 for 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress.
- Mental Health Association of New Jersey: Provides mental health services and advocacy.
- Hope Sheds Light: Operate recovery centers in NJ, offering workshops, support groups, and wellness activities for the whole family.
Support for Individuals with Disabilities
We are dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing resources and guidance to help them achieve their career and educational goals:
- Office for Individuals with Disabilities Resource Guide: This guide from the Ocean County Department of Human Services provides a comprehensive list of resources available to individuals with disabilities.
- New Jersey Human Services Division of Disability Services: The 2024 New Jersey Resources document offers detailed information on state services for individuals with disabilities.
- Resources for New Jerseyans with Disabilities New Jerseyans with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates can access State services and resources through the Disability Information Hub.
Family and Child Services
- Children’s Home Aid Society: Offers services to support children and families in need.
- Ocean County Department of Human Services: The Office for Individuals with Disabilities Resource Guide and the New Jersey Human Services Division of Disability Services New Jersey Resources document for 2024 can provide additional support.
Legal Assistance
- South Jersey Legal Aid Services: Provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families.
Housing and Homeless Support
- Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition: Assists with housing and homelessness issues in Toms River.
Family Promise of the Jersey Shore is a nonprofit that supports Ocean County families experiencing homelessness or housing instability through prevention services, emergency shelter, and long-term support programs.
Veteran Services
- Veteran Services: Offers various programs and support for veterans in Ocean County.
Community Engagement
Staying connected with the community and participating in local events can provide valuable support and opportunities:
- OceanResourceNet.org: Find community events and programs for Ocean County children and families.
- VolunteerMatch.org: Connect with nonprofit organizations and find volunteer opportunities in Toms River, NJ.
Comprehensive Guides
- Family Support Crisis Handbook: A valuable resource created by experts and advocates to assist families in crisis.
- Ocean County Department of Human Services Resource Guide: A comprehensive guide to services available for individuals with disabilities.
Additional Support Services
We offer a variety of additional support services to help you overcome barriers and achieve your goals:
- Career Counseling and Job Placement Assistance: Our career counselors provide personalized guidance to help you navigate the job market, develop your resume, and prepare for interviews.
- Training and Education: Access career training, post-secondary education opportunities, and apprenticeships to build the skills needed for your desired career.
- Financial Literacy and Assistance: Learn essential financial management skills and access information on public assistance programs such as GA, TANF, and SNAP.
- Youth Career Services: Our Youth Career Opportunity Program offers career exploration, work experience, high school completion support, and leadership development for young adults aged 16-24.
- Footsteps: Supports, affirms, and advocates for individuals and families who have left, or are contemplating leaving, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in their quest to lead self-determined lives, and creates conditions that further their agency and independence.
For more information on our services and resources, explore the various programs and support options available to you.
We are committed to helping you overcome any barriers you may face and achieve your personal, educational, and career goals. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to success.