Careers
& Employment

Gesher helps people across metro Detroit find personal fulfillment and financial stability through meaningful employment.

Whether you’re just entering the job market or returning to it after a significant gap, have recently lost your job, or are simply looking to make a change, Gesher offers career development support in a variety of settings and formats to suit your individual needs and circumstances.

We’re here to help you make your career goals a reality through personalized career coaching, technical skills training, networking opportunities and job placement services. 

Waterford

Oakland County
Michigan Works!

Michigan Works! provides jobseekers the support, training, and services they need to get back to work, find new employment, obtain necessary credentials, and more. Our team also offers businesses customized recruitment solutions to help them source and train staff.

Collingwood

Detroit at Work

Detroit at Work provides information for jobseekers and employers on in-demand career pathways and training programs that are aligned to jobs in growing career sectors.

Career Counseling Services

Find the Right Career Fit

We will work with you to develop a personalized plan based on your individual goals, interests, skills, motivators, and unique work styles so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Career Counseling will help you to:

  • Identify long- and short-term career goals
  • Analyze your skills, interests, style, and values
  • Take individualized assessments (i.e., Myers-Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory, etc.)
  • Develop a plan to reach your goals
  • Make decisions based on market trends

We can meet in person or virtually.

Identify your skills, strengths, interests, abilities, personal style and values
Receive expert interpretation on assessments to help you identify the right roles
Clarify your career goals and develop a proactive plan to find the right position

Job Search Services

Launch Your New Career

Need help with your job search or exploring a new career? We can help you successfully find employment with expert job search support that helps you stand out in a crowd, perfect your resume, nail your interview, get hired, and advance your career.

  • Job Search Strategies
  • Resume Development
  • Cover Letter Writing
  • Using & Optimizing LinkedIn
  • Leveraging Your Network
  • Interview Preparation
  • Salary Negotiation

Schedule your appointment with a career expert today

Hermelin ORT Computer Training

Computer knowledge is vital in many jobs and careers. Let us help you learn the skills necessary for your next career opportunity, from computer basics, to office & computer essentials, to our drop-in computer labs.

Online classes also available.

For more information or to register for a class, contact Dave Rotter at [email protected] or (248) 233-4243.

Learn the basic computer fundamentals and skills you need for work, school, and life.
Essentials for job seekers looking to learn how to use programs like Microsoft Excel.
Visit our drop-in Southfield Computer Lab on Fridays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Women to Work

The Women to Work program is a free 4-week group program for women who have been out of the workforce and want assistance in returning. Women will receive:

  • Vocational Assessments
  • Networking Assistance
  • Resume Writing and Interviewing Support
  • Discussions on Stress Management
  • Financial Management and Budgeting Assistance

Additionally, our Springboard to Success program combines the Women to Work program with hands-on Microsoft Office computer training.

For more information, contact Judy Richmond at [email protected] or 248-233-4232.

JOIN Internship Program

College students build their professional network and strengthen their resume through an 8-week paid summer internship. The JOIN Internship Program offers valuable work experience, educational seminars, and learning opportunities centered around the Jewish community. Students will work alongside Jewish communal professionals in the following disciplines:

  • Nonprofit Business Administration
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Research and Program Planning
  • Human Resources
  • Community Outreach and Advocacy
  • Development and Fundraising

Openings are limited. Open to Jewish, full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are metro Detroit residents. For more information, contact Ashley Moser at [email protected] or (248) 233-4482.

New Experiences Internship Program

This program provides job seekers, 18 years and over, who have experienced long-term unemployment, underemployment, or a lack of marketable work skills, an opportunity to build their skills while participating in a paid internship. Interns are required to identify an employer that fits their skills and is open to hosting an intern.  For more information, contact Gerard Baltrusaitis at [email protected] or 248-233-4288.

Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities

Gesher is committed to helping adults and youth with disabilities achieve long-term success and fulfillment by helping them identify their employment strengths, interests, and skills needed to find and maintain employment.

Individuals are offered the option to work or volunteer in their community with ongoing support from Gesher staff at every step of the process. 

We strive to help individuals with disabilities become independent and more fully integrated into their communities through our comprehensive array of employment services.

Supported Employment and Skill Building

We directly assist individuals with disabilities as they find and maintain a job that fits their skills, interests, and abilities through on-going job coaching and personalized support to help build their professional toolkit.

Oakland County
Ted Goewey
[email protected]
(248) 233-4334

Wayne County
Tamaria White
[email protected]
(313) 446-8013

Vocational Rehab

Through Gesher’s Vocational Rehabilitation services, adults and youth with disabilities interested in working independently benefit from customized employment, assessments, internships, workshops, and job placement and coaching services. This program is generally funded by Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, private insurance or self-pay.

Macomb & Oakland
Rene Dell, MA, LPC, NCC, CRC
[email protected]
(248) 233-4448

Wayne County
Denita Love-Carter, MA, CRC
[email protected]
(313) 446-8013

AbilityOne

AbilityOne Program is one of the largest sources of jobs for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Participants can leverage AbilityOne-learned skills in public and private sector jobs and enjoy full participation in their community.

Ticket to Work

 In partnership with the Social Security Administration, the Ticket to Work program provides a path to employment for individuals receiving SSDI and/or SSI. The program is free, voluntary, and helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence. For more information, contact Sherrie James at [email protected] or (248) 233-4472

Hear From Your Neighbors

I am usually the one fighting for myself, but I actually had people that were in my corner rooting and fighting for me. I honestly don’t know how I could ever repay the generosity and financial relief that I received from Gesher.

KPC

Next Event

24September
Dementia-Friendly Kol Nidre/Yom Kippur Service
10:30 am

Dementia-Friendly Kol Nidre/Yom Kippur Service

Life Skills & Education

Put on by the Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program.

Cantor Pamela Schiffer will lead a service created for families and their loved ones living with Dementia. This abridged service will include familiar prayers and melodies. Kiddush immediately following.

  • Location: Fleischman Residence Chapel | 6710 W. Maple Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
  • Date & Time: Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

Valet parking will be provided.

For questions, or to register by phone, call 248-661-6390.

To register online, click here. A Zoom link will be provided upon request for those who cannot attend in person.

This service made possible by the Dee dee and Michael Perlman Caregivers Fund.

Upcoming Events

26September
Revaluating Retirement - A Movement
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Revaluating Retirement - A Movement

Life Skills & Education

An increasing number of individuals are now working into their 70s. Join us once or every session as we discuss how you can figure out what job works for you at this stage of your life by finding fun and fulfillment in the next chapter. Gain information, interaction, and inspiration when you join us twice a month. 

Workshop Dates:

  • September 26
  • October 10
  • October 24
  • November 7
  • November 21
  • December 5

Time:  6:00 –7:30 p.m.

Location: Gesher Human Services | 29699 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076

For more info and to register, contact Gerard Baltrusaitis at [email protected] or 248-233-4288.

28September
FREE Resume Writing Workshop
10:00 am - 11:30 am

FREE Resume Writing Workshop

Life Skills & Education

Join Gesher Human Services for a FREE Resume Writing Workshop by Certified Professional Resume Writers. Gain valuable tips and tools to write a dynamic resume.

There will be an opportunity to sign up for free one-on-one resume assistance at the conclusion of the workshop.

The workshop will be held in person at the Gesher Human Service office, 29699 Southfield Road in Southfield.

Registration is required: https://jlive.app/events/5153.

Questions: 248-233-4245 or [email protected] 

29September
Homebuyer Education Class
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Homebuyer Education Class

Life Skills & Education

September 29 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm (held in person at Gesher Human Services in Southfield)  

Taught by Gesher Human Services’ HUD-certified homebuyer education counselors, you will learn about the entire home buying process, including credit education, how to qualify for a mortgage, mortgage terminology, proper home maintenance, and how to avoid foreclosure. $50 fee per household. This class is also approved for the MSHDA Down Payment Assistance Program.

To register for a Homebuyer Education class, please email [email protected] or call 248-233-4299.

02October
HarMoney Down Payment Assistance
12:00 pm

HarMoney Down Payment Assistance

Life Skills & Education

HarMoney is a six-week interactive workshop that focuses on improving the lives of families by providing financial education: improving financial health and wellness through budgeting, credit, money management, and savings. 

The program is intended for low to moderate-income families (as defined by HUD) with a credit score of 600 and below. After successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible to receive a financial grant of up to $2,500 toward down payment assistance for the purchase of a new home or toward credit liabilities (debt).  

Participants will be required to meet all eligibility and program requirements and must claim their grant within 6 months of the final session. 

The VIRTUAL program will begin on October 2 at 12:00 p.m. and run each Monday through November 5. 

To register for this free, virtual program email [email protected] or call 248-233-4299.

Space is limited.

05October
FREE Resume Writing Workshop
10:00 am - 11:30 am

FREE Resume Writing Workshop

Life Skills & Education

Join Gesher Human Services for a FREE Resume Writing Workshop by Certified Professional Resume Writers. Gain valuable tips and tools to write a dynamic resume.

There will be an opportunity to sign up for free one-on-one resume assistance at the conclusion of the workshop.

The workshop will be held in person at the Gesher Human Service office, 29699 Southfield Road in Southfield.

Registration is required: https://jlive.app/events/5154.

Questions: 248-233-4245 or [email protected] 

Take the first step toward a more stable and fulfilling life