MA Department of Development Services - Central/West Regional Employment Services Integrated Competitive Employment: Using Flexibility and Best practices

Presentation objectives Importance of flexibility in employment staff expectations Job descriptions Strategies for facilitating independence and using natural supports Cross agency collaboration for employment success

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Ice Breaker If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Mission statement REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CENTRAL/WEST IS COMPOSED OF PEOPLE DEDICATED TO CREATING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS, INNOVATIVE AND GENUINE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES AND OTHER DISABILITIES. THE GOAL IS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AS CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE WORK FORCE.

RES Services Employment Counseling Job Coaching/Retraining Situational Assessments& Evaluations Monitoring and reporting for Benefits Development of Résumés & Career Plans Follow Along/Long-Term Supports Assistance with Determining Training Human Rights Training for Individuals & Needs & Educational Coaching Families Authorization of Adaptive Work Devices Crisis Intervention First Aid & CPR Training Needs for Individuals Interested in Child/Health Care Ongoing Training (computer, job skills, fire safety) Job Development Other Areas of Support: (family issues, health)

Flexibility, Training, & shared responsibility “our formula for success” Key phrase in our job descriptions: Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program. In response to the needs of our individuals, RES realized early on that staff flexibility in hours and roles was an essential element of support. All staff flex hours to accommodate placement and support, including evening, nights, and weekends. All staff share job development, coaching, and support for individuals assigned to their team (no distinct “specialists”). Individuals preferences are considered and accommodated when necessary. All staff receive specialized training both internally and utilizing outside resources when available. Strong systems, structure, and documentation facilitate a “team” approach.

RES Team structure Comm. Systems Dir. Asst. Dir. (Goal- 100 Ind. Served) Rehab Counselor (25 ) Voc. Inst. Rehab Counselor (25) Voc. Inst

Partnering with families/providers Team approach:- we welcome and encourage individuals to include support system at all stages of the employment process, especially at intake. Intake- critical topics we include: self direction is critical, our flexibility of service, available (or not) transportation, “real” shifts, support system’s role. Ongoing Career Development- satisfaction surveys on job placements, ongoing job search while staying employed, connections to education/training. Communication! We utilize phone, email, text, etc. depending on individual/family practices/preference. Examples……

Natural supports Building natural supports begins even before individual starts working: Understanding individual communication and support network Individual has input on the level/method of support Workplace social culture match Communicating our role and process to employer Consultant vs. trainer Communication inclusive of individuals as a standard practice Social connections as a focus for both internal and outside work activities

RES in action Marty ‘s story…… PT FT Jim’s story…… Tim’s story…… Flex route Jen’s story…….. Shared Living Provider

What do you do well that others could replicate? Activity Based on what we have discussed, what would be something you would change (if anything) that you currently do? What do you do well that others could replicate?

What would they like it to be?... Ending thoughts What would be your slogan for the individuals you serve to describe their lives? What would they like it to be?...

Contact/Resources Susan Banks: Susan.Banks@Massmail.State.MA.US Michael Forest: Michael.Forest@Massmail.State.MA.US Lisa Aromando-Smith: Lisa.Aromando-Smith@Massmail.State.MA.US Resources: http://employmentfirstma.org/ (MA EmploymentfFirst) http://ddslearning.com/ (MA DDS trainings) http://www.communityinclusion.org/ (ICI) http://lmi2.detma.org/lmi/employers.asp (MA Labor and Workforce Development- Employer Locator) http://www.beneplan.org/ (MA BenePLAN)