EN Marketing & Outreach Strategies Webinar Date: June 5, 2014 Presented by: Kevin Nickerson & Mary Lynn ReVoir, NDI Technical Assistance Team U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration

Enter your location in the Chat window – lower left of screen Where are you? Enter your location in the Chat window – lower left of screen In the Chat Room, please type the name of the your organization, your location, and how many people are attending with you today. #

Moderators Moderator: Randee Chafkin Title: Workforce Development Specialist Organization: Employment and Training Administration Moderator: Miranda Kennedy Title: Director of Training for DEI, NDI Technical Assistance Team Organization: National Disability Institute # 3

Disability Employment Initiative According to the SGA, DEI Projects at the state level and/or local level participating LWIBs are required to become Employment Networks (ENs) under Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Ticket to Work Program. Training and Technical Assistance to DEI Projects in attaining Employment Network status and implementing effective EN operations is provided under U.S. DOLETA contract with NDI Consulting, Inc. and the National Disability Institute (NDI). Evaluation of the impact of the DEI Projects implementation and outcomes as Employment Network will be provided under U.S. DOL ODEP contract with Social Dynamics. Video clip of what to expect in the webinar room. (instead of the 5 tech slides) # 4 4

Learning Objectives Upon completion of this training webinar, DEI grantees and participants and partners from the public workforce system will have the following: An understanding of general Marketing & Outreach strategies that will help grow your Workforce Employment Network (EN) Information on how to access Ticket holders utilizing various resources Exposure to specific examples of internal and external marketing products Miranda # 5 5

Presenters Presenter: Kevin Nickerson Title: Ticket to Work Subject Matter Expert for DEI, NDI Technical Assistance Team Organization: National Disability Institute Presenter: Mary Lynn ReVoir Title: Ticket Coordinator for DEI, NDI Technical Assistance Team Organization: National Disability Institute #

Agenda Review suggestions and ideas for INTERNAL marketing Review suggestions and ideas for EXTERNAL marketing Marketing Tidbits Time for Q & A Kevin # 7 7

Marketing 101: Internal Marketing Is critical to the success of your Workforce EN Ensures that staff members understand the expanded services the Job Center offers to Ticket holders specific to their needs (i.e. SSA disability benefits and health insurance, accommodations, etc.) #

Marketing 101: External Marketing External Marketing is another key to success This requires getting the word out to both Ticket holders and providers in your service area about your Workforce EN Relying only on internal referrals from walk-in customers won’t allow you to grow your EN to the scale you will require for sustainability Like any new business, it will take time to develop a reputation, and a process within your community, for additional referrals to Workforce EN (refer to EN Maturity Scale) What is the Secret to getting EN Payments? Assigning Tickets How to get Tickets Assigned? Need find beneficiaries How to find Beneficiaries? Market to them #

INTERNAL MARKETING IDEAS Show the guide on web platform. # 10 10

1. EN DIRECTORY Employment Networks can be listed on the Ticket to Work EN Directory, making it easy for beneficiaries to find local, state, or national ENs Directory listings provide beneficiaries with a summary of your Workforce EN services and experience through your EN Profile, including: Service area you cover (through search feature) Disability group(s) you serve A link to your agency’s web-site Primary contact and address for your agency Benefits Advisors on staff Be sure to check your listing for accuracy and keep it updated! #

EN Directory website link www.yourtickettowork.com

2. Beneficiary Referral CD NOTE: Requires Security & Suitability clearance to access! Fields of information provided in the CD include: Name, Address, Phone of Ticket holder and Rep Payee if applicable Year of birth Last 2 numbers of SSN Prior VR history Earnings information: Ever? Last 60 months? Last 18 months? Training on the use of the Beneficiary Referral CD is available from the Operation Support Manager (OSM), found here: https://yourtickettowork.com/web/ttw/training1 NDI also has a Tip Sheet on “Effectively Using Beneficiary Referral CD”, available for download today #

How to use the Beneficiary Referral CD Allows your EN to market directly to Ticket holders not registered at the AJC Provides an opportunity to filter based on geographic region, and recent work efforts Additional marketing strategies for effectively using the Beneficiary Referral CD include: Direct mailings to send marketing brochures, Job Fair announcements, and invitations to Ticket orientation or SSA Work Incentives workshops Phone outreach efforts Invitations to related events that might generate interest in the return to work (i.e. Asset Development events, other workshops of interest within the AJC, etc.) NOTE: Information on Beneficiary CD comes in comma-delimited text format, you will need to sort accordingly, and import into excel spreadsheet. Refer to the OSM training for instructions. #

3. Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) For Workforce ENs that do NOT have internal SSA disability benefits expertise, WISE can help beneficiaries become informed about how work impacts benefits and how Work Incentives can assist in the transition back to work Workforce ENs can provide information at this event regarding services their Job Center can offer to assist Ticket holders in the return to work Host a live or archived WISE offered by the Beneficiary Access Support Services contractor (BASS) For Ticket Holders interested in moving forward with your Workforce EN, you can schedule individual follow-up appointments Use of group orientation process can maximize staff time For more information about WISE events, see: http://www.chooseworkttw.net/ #

4. Internal Messaging: How do customers know your Job Center is an EN? Do you have signage at your AJC and/or other sites of service? Do you include a tagline that the AJC is an EN? Is EN information included in AJC brochures? Is the Ticket logo or message in email signature? Is information included in other AJC printed materials? Is information included in AJC registration? Is EN information included in Job Center workshops? (i.e. Re-Employment workshop) Are EN services connected with your Business Services Team or Representative? If you have a scrolling marquee in your Resource room, such as a flat screen TV, adding EN information to it will get attention #

Example – Internal Basic Staff Guide Provides basic information about services, eligibility, and referral process #

Marketing Materials Developing basic marketing materials such as brochures and flyers helps spell out what your AJC / Workforce EN offers to assist you in reaching Ticket holders Leave marketing materials in various public offices as you reach out to market your program Use email list-serves, locally, to send out marketing information for outreach events The next slides show sample marketing materials used by the New York and Alaska DEI projects to promote EN outreach #

Example of Marketing Flyer from the Alaska Round 4 DEI project #

Example of Marketing Flyer from New York Round 1 DEI project #

Available Marketing Materials Beneficiary Access for Support Services (BASS) has materials available for download to assist ENs found here: http://www.chooseworkttw.net/document-library/materials-for-providers/index.html#materials The DEI Ticket team has examples of materials to share as well, simply email your request to your TA Liaison, or to the Ticket TA team. (Available for download today is a listing of available materials.) #

Use Your Website and Social Media Do you promote your EN using your website? Examples: http://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/disabilities/index.shtml http://www.challengeworkforcesolutions.org/?action=ticket_to_work This is a great place to explain Ticket to Work, and your services This can also be linked to the EN Directory so Ticket holders can learn more about your EN Provides an opportunity to describe next steps customers should take if they wish to assign their Ticket with your EN Use your webpage to feature a success story Explore other social media outlets to market your services, such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn #

Example: State of Maine website marketing Ticket to Work #

Tap into the Job Center’s Management Information System (MIS) Job Centers have a distinct advantage in tracking potential Ticket holders through registration for services captured in our MIS Using this information, you can: Query MIS for customers that have disclosed a disability Use eData Share to determine which of these customers is Ticket eligible (Security Clearance is required to access eData Share through the Secure Provider Portal) NOTE: eData Share can be used to sort ALL customers, or as stated, you can first sort out those who have disclosed Tracking voluntary disability disclosure can assist in narrowing down customers that may be Ticket eligible, but not all customers will choose to disclose #

Tap into the Job Center’s Management Information System (MIS) Providing a reason for customers to disclose in your registration can encourage increased customer disclosure Example of an AJC registration question regarding disclosure: Note: This next question is voluntary. This information will be kept confidential and is intended for use solely in connection with record keeping and affirmative action requirements, and to help you in identifying additional resources that can assist you in your return to work. You will not be penalized for refusal to answer.   Are you a person with a disability?  No  Yes If yes, would you like to learn about return-to-work incentives for individuals with disabilities?  No  Yes Purpose: Once customers are identified, use contact information to reach out to targeted customers and invite them to a Ticket Orientation and/or SSA Work Incentives workshop and follow up for assignment #

Presenter Presenter: Mary Lynn ReVoir Title: Ticket Coordinator for DEI, NDI Technical Assistance Team Organization: National Disability Institute ML #

EXTERNAL MARKETING IDEAS # 27 27

Other Media Outlets Cable television public access station Radio PSA’s or TV talk show Press Releases Connect with marketing for existing and popular community events already in the media #

Market at places Beneficiaries frequent Clinics Pharmacies Rehab Centers Food Assistance agency Housing agencies Heating Assistance agency Local Medicaid / Title 19 agency Community Action offices Public Transportation locations Club houses Drop-in Centers Wellness / Support Centers #

Market at events Beneficiaries may attend Offer to present or attend a booth at an event such as one of the following: State youth transition conference hosted by area educational agency State youth with disabilities leadership events Employment 1st Conference State ARC Convention Peer Support Conference Mental Health Empowerment Conference Local support groups (often through local hospital) Veteran Resource Fairs Human Rights Council events City ADA council #

Market to a Specific Audience #

Market the “Bigger Picture” Join forces with other ENs and local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to market “Ticket to Work” in and of itself (ENs and VR can be introduced) Jointly develop local Ticket to Work brochures or advertisements (partner with employer or other sponsor or VR and other ENs) Host Ticket events for Beneficiaries to learn more about the Ticket program, i.e. WISE event from BASS could be hosted by a group of ENs / VR The above steps will increase beneficiary awareness of the Ticket to Work program #

Offer Beneficiary Outreach Events Whether partnering with skilled Work Incentives planners or using in-house expertise, ongoing outreach events that draw Ticket holders are necessary for EN growth Outreach events should cover relevant information for beneficiaries, such as: Impact of work on benefits Work Incentives that support the return to work Options for maintaining, or obtaining health insurance Job Center / EN services offered Depending on your geographic region, successful ENs typically hold these events on a monthly basis #

Blend EN Marketing with Other Events Offer a service at an event, i.e. mock interviews for job seekers and note “mock interviews are provided to job seekers on Social Security Disability and SSI benefits as a service of XYZ Employment Network” Partner with state deaf services agency for an interpreter at the event and note “interpreter has been provided by XYZ Employment Network for beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability and SSI benefits” Offer a freebie at your booth, that attracts beneficiaries but costs you little or nothing, i.e. a raffle prize of lunch for four at your agency and staff provide the food #

Workforce DEI EN Peer Ideas Gary, Indiana DRC: Connection between Food Pantry and workforce EN together hosting WISE events Lake Charles, Louisiana DRC: includes social media by using “Constant Contact”, Facebook. Bring your marketing ideas to the next TA Ticket Office Hours to share with peers. Tuesday, June 19th from 3-4pm ET #

Marketing Tidbit #1 It is permissible for an approved EN to use the Ticket to Work program logo but not the SSA logo # 36

Marketing Tidbit #2 Walk the talk! Set an example / create a welcoming environment: Be sure your EN is physically accessible Be sure your website is friendly to screen readers Be sure to add 711 to your phone number postings Be sure agency staff know about accommodations Create a desktop guide for staff to reference for accommodations, i.e. where to find a sign language interpreter or printed items in alternative format. For an example of a DEI desktop guide for AJC staff: https://disability.workforce3one.org/command/view.aspx?look=2001405840432475887&mode=info&pparams= #

Marketing Tidbit #3 Develop Referral Sources Consider community providers and inform them of your ability to serve SSA beneficiaries through EN services your AJC offers Reach out to other organizations that may be in contact with Ticket holders, such as: Your local SSA field office (some restrictions apply) Worker’s Compensation Rehabilitation Counselors Lawyers that assist with disability claims Internal referrals from your AJC and partner agencies Departments of Social Services Medicaid Service Coordinators Local Housing Authorities Asset Development Coalition members (if applicable) #

Summary In today’s presentation we covered the following: Suggested methods for INTERNAL Marketing Suggested methods for EXTERNAL Marketing Other marketing strategies that have been employed by Workforce and other ENs Miranda 39 39

Polling Question Is your job center EN and Ticket to Work promoted on your workforce website? Yes No but we plan to explore this idea Not sure but we will find out Miranda #

Polling Question Please identify methods you have learned about today that you plan to employ at your AJC to further promote your EN services to Ticket holders (you may check more than one option): Marketing brochures eDataShare Radio or TV promotion Social media and/or webpage information Mailings Community Provider referrals Beneficiary Referral CD Internal marketing to AJC staff Miranda #

FINAL WORD FROM RANDEE Moderator: Randee Chafkin Title: Workforce Development Specialist Organization: Employment and Training Administration # 42

Your thoughts or questions are welcomed… Discussion & Feedback Your thoughts or questions are welcomed… 2nd POLL – using chat feature OPTION 2 POLLING NOTE – the chat box will remain open for the duration of the Webinar, and the questions will weave into the webinar as we go – no question is a dumb question – so please feel free! (Click to next slide) # 43 43

Available for download Effectively Using the Beneficiary Referral CD Resources Available for download Effectively Using the Beneficiary Referral CD Example of Marketing Plan Marketing Vault Listing Reminder if you want examples of marketing materials email mlrevoir@ndi-inc.org Handouts URL will be provided in the Webinar Room #

Please enter your questions in the Chat Room! Please enter your questions into the Chat Room! #

Speakers’ Contact Information Speaker: Kevin Nickerson Title: DEI Ticket Subject Matter Expert Organization: National Disability Institute Email: knickerson@ndi-inc.org Speaker: Mary Lynn ReVoir Title: DEI Ticket Coordinator Organization: National Disability Institute Email: mlrevoir@ndi-inc.org # 46 46

Look for upcoming Webinars in this series! SAVE DATE the Tuesday, June 17th 3-4:15pm ET If this webinar is being held as a series, include on this slide: Webinar registration links for prospective registrants Webinar dates/times Inform prospective registrants of any preparatory actions that must be performed before attending webinar series (documents to be reviewed and/or completed before session begins, etc…) #

Find resources for workforce system success at: Thank You! Find resources for workforce system success at: www.workforce3one.org #