Possible Strategies: Strategy #1: Implement
goals and objectives of the Employment Management System (EMS), maximizing
the use of employment resources through:
Strategy #2: Utilize employer focus groups to identify additional strategies to increase competitive employment. Strategy #3: Participate in One-Stop Career Centers to facilitate consumer access to rehabilitation and competitive employment services and outcomes. Strategy #4: Implement a self-employment/entrepreneurial program for consumers to enhance options for competitive employment. Strategy #5: Design an AVRS Web page for employers to strengthen linkages for competitive employment options. Strategy #6: Develop and implement a computerized case management system to streamline the VR process and enhance access to information on competitive employment options. Strategy #7: Develop and train additional resources/staff for individuals with sensory impairments to enhance selective placement and job retention efforts in competitive employment. Strategy #8: Require increased focus on employment during initial counseling sessions with consumers while discussing disability issues and eligibility. Strategy #9: Expand
AVRS job clubs to additional field offices.
Possible Strategies: Strategy #1: Evaluate VR-sponsored skills training and academic programs in which consumers participate to determine: a) scope of training and its relationship to labor markets and consumer needs; b) effectiveness of training in competitively preparing consumers for careers (not “dead-end” jobs) and potential career advancements; c) determine additional strategies based on findings in a & b. Strategy #2: Initiate a pre-employment program, to include accident insurance coverage for consumers, to increase consumers access to better paying jobs. Strategy #3: Increase staff utilization of data systems (such as the EMS and AVRS Tools internet site) which provide information on local, state and national job opportunities, trends, and related wage data to identify better paying jobs. Also, utilize AVRS data on consumer wages at closure to troubleshoot where such wages are lowest (i.e. by unit, by type of caseload, by disability, etc.) Strategy #4: Expand consumer short-term skills training program access by: a) designing VR-sponsored training programs like the Lakeshore Banking Institute; b) referring more consumers to local skills training programs through One Stop Career Centers (e.g. JTPA skills training programs); c) utilizing staffing company training programs with AVRS consumers; d) using OJT for above-minimum-wage positions. Strategy #5: Expand
outreach to working with employed people with disabilities whose jobs are
in jeopardy because of a disabling condition.
Possible Strategies: Strategy #1: Maintain contact with employers and consumers to enhance their awareness of AVRS continued interest in successful job performance; increase counselor involvement with AVRS employer accounts, particularly through on-site visits via plant tours, etc. Strategy #2: Revise current follow-up and data collection systems to more adequately address consumer job retention specifically determining the reasons consumers maintain employment or lose their jobs. . . seeking input from both consumers and employers who have hired them. Strategy #3: Analyze job retention data (see above). Strategy #4: Develop a “Job Retention Services” Program to increase job retention for individuals with disabilities whose jobs are in jeopardy due to disability related factors, providing appropriate training and materials to staff to ensure success. Strategy #5: Review and modify, as appropriate, service options available from Employment Resource Affiliates which focus on consumer job retention. Strategy #6: Modify
job readiness training programs and job clubs to include job retention
components and better utilize state employment service job clubs with consumers.
Possible Strategies: Strategy #1: Develop a strategic plan for design and implementation of a computerized case management system, with timelines, costs, etc. Strategy #2: Contract with needed personnel to program, field test, and install the case management system. Strategy #3: Purchase or upgrade the necessary hardware to implement the case management system. Strategy #4: Properly
train staff to effectively and efficiently utilize this computerized case
management system, using existing or contract staff, videos, etc. to ensure
success.
Possible Strategies: Strategy #1: Develop local VR consumer advocacy groups. Strategy #2: Develop and implement both leadership and advocacy training with needed manuals for statewide consumer groups. Strategy #3: Utilize Rehabilitation Advisory Council to implement consumer surveys and focus groups through statewide consumer groups. Strategy #4: Develop and implement consumer employment resource rooms statewide at VR offices and at One-Stop Career Centers. Strategy #5: Develop and implement peer support training manual and utilize it to train consumers statewide through local VR consumer groups. Strategy #6:
Develop a consumer web page for both consumers and family members to provide
alternative access to needed information on rehabilitation.
Possible Strategies: Strategy #1: Implement training for staff to utilize employment resource rooms with consumers with particular emphasis on data systems on resume writing, job banks, (ALEX, America’s Job Bank, etc.) SOICC, E.Z. DOT, etc. Strategy #2: Utilize the proposed computerized case management system to expand staff knowledge of, and access to, information which enhances consumer choice throughout the rehabilitation process and in competitive employment. Strategy #3: Incorporate effective methods of facilitating consumer choice through staff training, coaching, mentoring and in Skunkworks and SMILE. Strategy #4: Develop methods of presenting information on local service providers from which consumers can choose. Strategy #5: Identify proven methods of accessing information and developing consumer choice skills and share with AVRS staff (i.e. explore and develop prototypes, exploratory models, field test, etc.). |