Frequently Asked Questions

WorkAbility is a program that is funded by the Department of Education to assist students with identified educational needs in acquiring marketable job skills, as well as transitioning out of high school.

All high school students with active IEPs.

RJUHSD students with active IEPs automatically receive WorkAbility services indirectly through transition activities in their classrooms. Teachers may refer students for WorkAbility support services, and students/parents may request support as well. WorkAbility staff may contact students to offer specific services related to transition topics.

The following are some of the transition services that WorkAbility supports and that may be available to students, either directly (one-on-one) or indirectly (through classroom and group activities). The services vary depending on the age and grade level of the student.

• Pre-employment skills training
• Career exploration
• Unpaid job skills training
• Career awareness field trips
• Employment-seeking training
• Employment – subsidized and direct hire
• Self-awareness and self-advocacy skills 
• Post-secondary education awareness
• College awareness field trips
• Transition Fair for students and their families

While many students may desire a job, not all are job-ready. Students are assisted in developing pre-employment skills, interpersonal skills, interview preparation, positive social behavior, and job-keeping skills. If it is determined that a student is ready, they will receive job seeking assistance, and possibly direct hire or subsidized employment. Students are expected to maintain good school attendance and be making academic progress. Parent/guardian permission is required for any student under the age of 18 to work.

Students should have a positive attitude towards working and have expressed an interest in working. A school-issued work permit and parent/guardian permission is required for all students under the age of 18 to work. Students must be able to verify their legal eligibility to work. Students must be at least 16 years old to qualify for subsidized employment through WorkAbility.

Students and their parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from job sites.

Parents and guardians can support their students by providing the necessary employment documents, providing reliable transportation to job sites, and encouraging and modeling good communication and work habits.

“WorkAbility wages” refers to subsidized employment that is paid through WorkAbility grant funding, or funding provided by We Can Work through the Department of Rehabilitation. 

A student’s work hours are based upon the communication between the employer, the student, and the WorkAbility staff, and must fall within the guidelines of California work permit laws. WorkAbility job placements have a maximum of 100 hours paid experience. 

Students are paid minimum wage. Students are responsible for accurately recording and submitting their work time sheets, signed by their supervisor, to the WorkAbility staff by the 25th of each month. Roseville Joint Union High School District issues paychecks on the 10th of the following month. Checks are delivered to the WorkAbility staff and students must pick up and sign for their checks from their on campus WorkAbility staff.

Students are required to provide:

• Proof of eligibility to work, such as a signed Social Security card or original birth certificate. 
• A picture ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or current school year ID card. 
• Students under the age of 18 must have a work permit issued by the school site.
• Students will complete additional employment forms through RJUHSD, including DE-4 and W-4 forms. 
• Pre-employment training, including a Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, is required.
• Other permission forms may be required for placement.