People of central Kansas who are on Social Security disability have a new partner available who can help transition them to long-term employment. Rosewood Services has contracted with Social Security to become an Employment Network for the five-county service area of Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.
 People do not have to receive other services from Rosewood in order to qualify for the employment services known as the Ticket To Work program. It is open to anyone between 18 and 64 years old who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Social Security even allows people to keep their benefits while they explore employment options and work toward earning a living through employment, said Malinda Hatfield, employment specialist for Rosewood Services.
“This program is truly wonderful because it’s designed to help people who are bent on helping themselves,” Hatfield said. “They can explore new opportunities without the risk of losing the ground they’ve already established with their social security benefits.”
“(Ticket to Work) is designed to help people become employed and keep them employed,” she said. Rosewood Employment Network is able to offer specialized services such as career counseling, and job placement and training. Sometimes, a client needs something basic to get started on a new job, such as a way get to work, or a uniform or non-slick shoes. Hatfield can help identify the needs and find a solution.
Once involved in the program, Employment Network services can be provided to individuals for several years. Hatfield, who holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, said she stands ready to help people step through the process.
Those who qualify and are interested in pursuing the Ticket To Work program are encouraged to call Hatfield at 620-603-6539, or email her at employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com. Her office is located at 1105 Main St., Suite A, downtown Great Bend.