Job Placement and Readiness

Community employment is a key part of our work. By helping our members with their career and self-improvement goals, we can improve their social determinants of health — and by extension, their overall health and well-being. That's why we sponsor a variety of job training and workforce development programs across the country.

We currently engage in several noteworthy workforce programs, many of which are a part of our wider diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Members can check with their specific health plan for information on programs in their area.

Examples of programs for adults of college age and above include:

• Pathways to Work, which provides a 12-week internship, along with mentoring, coaching, workshops, and training to increase members' job readiness.
• Mission GED^®, which provides members with the tools and support they need to get their general equivalency diplomas (GEDs), further their education, and reach their goals.
• Next Steps, which helps people transition from government work programs into the workforce. This job-readiness program offers training and part-time work for the unemployed (including veterans) in Philadelphia.

For youth, we offer:

• WorkReady Program. This partnership with the Philadelphia Youth Network hosts a six-week program for Philadelphia high school students, which teaches critical professional skills and motivates them to explore their interest in the health care field.
• The Urban League of Philadelphia Adopt-A-School Program. This initiative creates partnerships between local organizations and the School District of Philadelphia’s 12 GEAR UP high schools. With our support, this program aims to improve local communities and help prepare students for the workforce.

We also support local small businesses and provide opportunities to help them grow and prosper, which translates to more jobs in our communities and more employment opportunities for our members.