Rebuilding Life After Rehab: Local Job and Volunteer Programs in Eastern PA

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Peace Valley Recovery is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that focuses on healing and recovery from addiction. This blog provides information, news, and uplifting content to help people in their recovery journey.

Authored by Chris Schumacher | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Drew,
Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Finding stable employment and meaningful community connections after treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start.

Eastern Pennsylvania offers numerous opportunities specifically designed to help people in recovery rebuild their careers and establish new routines.

This guide outlines concrete resources available in Bucks, Montgomery, and surrounding counties.

PA CareerLink: Your First Stop for Employment Services

These comprehensive career centers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania provide services to all job seekers regardless of background.

PA CareerLink Montgomery County

  • Location: 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401
  • Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Website: montgomerycountypa.gov/2114/PA-CareerLink-Montgomery-County

Their staff offers job skills assessments, resume preparation, and interview coaching. Career coaches work one-on-one to identify transferable skills and develop personalized employment plans.

PA CareerLink Bucks County

  • Phone: 267-580-3501 (TTY relay: 711)
  • Email: info@buckscareerlink.org
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Website: buckscounty.gov/559/PA-CareerLink-Bucks-County

Bucks County offers specialized support including veteran services, skills assessment, and direct connections to local employers actively hiring. They host regular job fairs and provide access to the statewide training provider list.

Online Resources Available at Both Locations:

  • SkillUp PA with online job skills training through Metrix Learning Portal
  • Statewide job search portal
  • Learning Express Library (requires Montgomery County library card)
  • O*NET occupational database for career exploration
the supervisor hired the employee and shakes his hand

Second-Chance Employers and Hiring Programs

While career centers provide broad workforce development, some organizations specialize in hiring people with criminal backgrounds or employment gaps.

  • Goodwill Organizations: Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania actively promotes fair chance hiring practices. They provide on-the-job training and support to help employees succeed. Locations throughout Pennsylvania offer retail, warehouse, and administrative positions.
  • Apply online or visit local Goodwill stores to begin the application process. Training covers customer service, inventory management, and retail operations. Ongoing coaching and career development support are provided.
  • Manufacturing and Healthcare Second-Chance Initiatives: Many local manufacturers and healthcare facilities participate in workforce development specifically designed for people with barriers to employment. The career centers maintain current lists of participating employers.
  • Community-Based Organizations: Several nonprofits throughout Eastern PA provide job placement assistance for people in recovery. These organizations often have established relationships with local employers and can provide referrals and advocacy.

Volunteer Opportunities for Building Experience

Volunteering helps establish work history, develop references, and build professional networks while contributing to the community. This experience often serves as a bridge to paid employment.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County

Opportunities include home construction, ReStore operations, and administrative support.

No construction experience required. Regular volunteer shifts available weekdays and weekends.

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties

This organization offers home construction, repair projects, and ReStore retail operations. Both Habitat organizations provide tools, training, and supervision. Volunteers can work individually or as part of organized groups.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

  • Local food banks and soup kitchens
  • Hospital and healthcare facility auxiliary programs
  • Community centers and recreational facilities
  • Faith-based community service projects
  • Environmental cleanup and conservation projects

Skills Training and Certification Programs

Building on volunteer experience, various training opportunities help develop marketable skills for in-demand careers.

Apprenticeship Programs Montgomery and Bucks counties offer registered apprenticeships in:

  • Electrical work
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC installation and repair
  • Manufacturing trades
  • Healthcare support roles

Adina Tayar, Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator

  • Phone: 267-254-1225
  • Email: atayar@edsisolutions.com
  • Coverage area: Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties

Community College Programs

  • Bucks County Community College: Nursing, automotive technology, culinary arts
  • Montgomery County Community College: Health sciences, computer technology, skilled trades
  • Delaware County Community College: Emergency services, business administration

Many programs offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate work schedules.

Financial aid available through FAFSA and workforce development grants.

Industry-Specific Training

  • Healthcare: CNA, medical assistant, pharmacy technician certifications
  • Technology: Computer networking, cybersecurity, software support
  • Transportation: CDL training, automotive repair, logistics
  • Customer service: Retail, hospitality, call center operations
Two men are puzzled by the work

Local Job Boards and Hiring Resources

Regional Job Search Websites

  • Indeed.com (filter by Eastern PA locations)
  • Statewide job search portal through career centers
  • Local newspaper employment sections
  • Company websites for major regional employers

Major Employers in the Region

  • Healthcare systems: Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, Doylestown Health
  • Manufacturing: Multiple facilities in Bucks and Montgomery counties
  • Retail and hospitality: Various chains and local businesses
  • Transportation and logistics: Amazon, UPS, FedEx facilities

Weekly Job Fairs and Hiring Events: Career centers host regular hiring events. Check their websites or call for current schedules. Many events focus on specific industries or include multiple employers.

Community Support Centers

United Way Organizations United Way chapters in Bucks and Montgomery counties maintain resource directories and can connect you with:

  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Transportation programs
  • Housing resources
  • Childcare assistance

Local Libraries: Public libraries offer computer and internet access, resume assistance, and job search support. Many host career workshops and have partnerships with workforce development organizations.

Recovery Community Organizations: Many areas have peer support organizations that can provide job search assistance, networking opportunities, and ongoing support from others who understand the challenges of rebuilding after treatment.

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Getting Started: Next Steps

Taking action on employment goals becomes easier when you break the process into manageable steps:

  1. Schedule an initial assessment at your local career center
  2. Register for online job search accounts and complete your profile
  3. Research volunteer opportunities that match your schedule and interests
  4. Identify training opportunities that align with your career goals
  5. Connect with community organizations for ongoing support

Building a stable career after treatment takes time and patience. These resources provide multiple pathways to employment and community involvement. Start with one or two options that feel manageable, then expand your activities as you build confidence and establish routines.

Peace Valley Recovery offers ongoing support for people navigating career development and other life challenges after treatment. For information about our continuing care programs, call us at (267) 662-2442 or contact us online. We hope these resources guide you in the right direction, and wish you the best of luck!

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