Disability Program Navigator Integrated Resource Team Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Presented By: U.S. Department of Labor National DPN Program Office Older Worker/Disability Unit, Division of Adult Services Employment and Training Administration National Technical Assistance Provider

What is an Integrated Resource Team (IRT)? An IRT brings together public and private sector representatives at a local One-Stop community level. It improves communication and collaboration which results in enhanced coordination of services and supports for an individual jobseeker with a disability.

What is the Primary Function of an IRT? Members of an IRT will work together to identify and strategize how their services and resources can be coordinated to help a jobseeker with a disability reach their employment goal. The jobseeker will also be responsible for identifying their role and contributions in attaining their employment goal.

Who Might Participate in an IRT? Since the IRT is based on the needs of the individual, the members of the team will consist of community and partner agencies and One-Stop programs that serve the needs of the individual jobseeker. Many times the members of an IRT will closely reflect the members of an Interagency Committee, meaning an IRT may consist of members from the Workforce Investment system, the Mental Health system, the Vocational Rehabilitation system, the Independent Living Center, the Community Work Incentives Coordinator, a Supported Employment Specialist, etc. It all depends on the needs of the individual jobseeker.

What is the Role of the Disability Program Navigator Related to the Integrated Resource Team? The Navigator serves as a facilitator to help build understanding within the One-Stop Career Center system about the benefits of the added level of service an IRT provides. As a facilitator a Navigator may: Help One-Stop staff explain the benefits of utilizing the IRT model to a jobseeker to ensure they are in agreement of needing this level of service and information sharing. Work with One-Stop staff and the jobseeker to identify and reach out to agency staff who may appropriately serve as part of the IRT. Facilitate the first IRT meeting to ensure that partners and the jobseeker are aware of the purpose of the IRT and lead the discussion to include key purposes of the IRT like service coordination, shared plans, communication and follow-through.

What is the Overall Goal of Introducing the IRT Model? The desired outcome of introducing the IRT is to enhance cross-agency collaboration and communication to better leverage available resources in a seamless way for an individual jobseeker with a disability. Additionally, the IRT will result in increased enrollments in available workforce development programs and greater knowledge of available career options. The overall goal of the IRT is to help the One-Stop Career Center system and partner agencies see the benefit of resource collaboration. This concept may require a culture shift, be patient, it can happen.

What is the difference between an IRT and an Interagency Committee? An IRT focuses on the specific needs of an Individual Jobseeker. An IRT may be brought together to improve services and cross-agency communication as a support to a person with a disability in order to obtain or maintain employment. An Interagency Committee focuses on systems coordination, problem-solving and collaboration for more effective services for people with disabilities. An Interagency Committee typically meets on a regular basis in order to problem-solve and work together as a way to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Does an Interagency Team Function Differently than an IRT? The focus of an IRT is on an individual level, therefore the members of the IRT will change based on the employment services and supports needed that are unique to the jobseeker. An Interagency Committee focuses on systems level change and works to identify barriers inherent in the system to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Typically, the members of an Interagency Committee are more constant and cover a broader spectrum than those of an IRT.

Do You Need to Have an Interagency Committee in Order to Have an IRT? No. The most important elements to have in order to promote the IRT model as a viable option for a jobseeker with a disability are as follows: Widespread knowledge of existing resources in the local/regional community. Ultimately, representatives from programs and agencies that can provide direct services and resources will be invited.

Can an Interagency Committee be Beneficial to an IRT? An Interagency Committee can be helpful but is not required in order to successfully implement and execute the IRT model. If there is an Interagency Committee already in place, the Navigator can present the concept of an IRT to that committee who may be able to help implement it.

Is the Disability Program Navigator Becoming a Case Manager? Absolutely Not. The Navigator is not expected to spend their time managing cases. Instead, the Navigator will help facilitate connections to other agencies through an IRT. Other members of the IRT (not the Navigator) will most likely have a case file for the jobseeker, thus there will be no need for the Navigator to have a case file.

Does a Disability Program Navigator Ever Meet Directly with a Jobseeker with a Disability? Yes. However, a Navigator will not have a caseload because that takes away from their ability to work on systems change, provide trainings, and to build relationships. The Navigator should work to include other relevant staff and partners in meetings with jobseekers in order to model effective strategies for One-Stop staff and partners. This promotes a vital transfer of knowledge and prevents the Navigator from becoming a “silo” of disability and employment related information and services.

What Does a Disability Program Navigator Do Who is Serving Multiple Workforce Areas? In areas where an Interagency Committee exists, the Navigator may use the Interagency Committee as a mechanism to introduce and implement the IRT model. In areas where an Interagency Committee does not exist, the Navigator may offer intensive training through modeling to One-Stop staff and partners so each area can utilize the IRT model when appropriate.

How Does the Integrated Resource Team Model Differ from the Customized Employment Model? The IRT is designed to engage cross-agency participation within the One-Stop Career Center for an individual with a disability. The Customized Employment Model involves individualizing the relationship between a jobseeker and an employer and uses a specific set of tools to do so. The IRT may engage in some elements of Customized Employment, however, the IRT Model will not use or need all of the comprehensive tools and structured processes that the Customized Employment Model offers. It is understood that not all One-Stop Career Centers have the capacity or the ability to facilitate the Customized Employment Model.

How Does the IRT Model Differ From and/or Incorporate Aspects of the Person Centered Planning Model? Person Centered Planning (PCP) involves much more intensive and personalized services utilizing a specific set of tools in order to help the jobseeker obtain and maintain employment. Some of the tools utilized in PCP may be utilized by members of the IRT to help the jobseeker achieve their desired outcome. However, the focus of the IRT is to enhance resource coordination and collaboration between disability and workforce agencies in order to give the jobseeker with a disability an increased opportunity for employment.

Case Scenario - Diane Diane is Deaf and Non-Verbal She does an intake appointment with a WIA Case Manager. She indicates that she is interested in Dog Grooming and that she has previously worked with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The Navigator is asked to join the next meeting to help with suggestions and additional resources that Diane may want to access. The Navigator suggests Diane Reconnect with VR. The IRT is formed and roles are assigned. The IRT included Diane, the WIA Case Manager, the VR Counselor and the Navigator. Diane attends the training program, with accommodations, and graduates with honors. She is referred by her training provider to a job. The WIA Case Manager provides the needed follow-up information to each member of the IRT.

Case Scenario - Jean Jean was a TANF client and had trouble maintaining a Job. Jean’s TANF case manager attended a training on hidden disabilities provided by the Navigator. The TANF case manager invited the Navigator to the next meeting with Jean. An IRT was formed and roles of each member of the IRT were established. The IRT included Jean, the TANF case manager, a VR counselor, a Mental Health representative, an Employment Specialist and the Navigator. After three months Jean secured a full-time job with health benefits that was in line with her career choice. The TANF case manager followed up with all members of the IRT to report her placement, wages, hours etc. as well as to learn about additional follow-up services that were available. A year after beginning her employment Jean’s case was closed. She was receiving no benefits and had earned a merit based raise.

Case Scenario - Harry Harry is Deaf-Blind. He goes to the One-Stop, accompanied by a job coach who relays that Harry has been looking for a job for over a year without success. Harry requests a tactile sign language interpreter for his intake appointment. During the intake appointment it is determined that he is eligible for intensive services. It was also learned he was working with additional supportive agencies. The Navigator coordinated and facilitated the first IRT meeting. The IRT included Harry, the Case Manager from the Commission for the Blind, a representative from the Independent Living Center, the Tactile Sign Language Interpreter, an Employment Specialist, Harry’s Mother and the Navigator. The IRT roles were established. The Navigator took notes from this first meeting and emailed everyone the notes with their agreed upon tasks. The Navigator periodically checked on Harry’s progress but did not intervene in the case at all unless asked for specific help from another member of the team. After four months, Harry successfully secured a job. The IRT met a final time to ensure everyone had the appropriate information regarding Harry’s new position.

What are the Desired Outcomes of an IRT? To enhance cross-agency collaboration and communication to better leverage available resources in a seamless way for an individual jobseeker with a disability. Additionally, the IRT will result in increased enrollments in available workforce development programs and greater knowledge of available career options. To provide increased access to four-year college education, achievement of academic certifications, apprenticeship opportunities and greater access to follow-up services and supports to ensure employment retention. To promote and secure financial independence for people with disabilities, and increase their knowledge about benefits and available work incentives that lead to greater empowerment and inclusion.

Contact Information Randee Chafkin National DPN Program Office Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration P: 202-693-2723 E: Chafkin.Randee@dol.gov Laura Gleneck National TA Provider P: 617-489-0086 E: lgleneck@ndi-inc.org Miranda Kennedy National TA Provider P: 720-890-3990 E: mkennedy@ndi-inc.org Danielle (DJ) Diamond National TA Provider P: 740-398-5247 E: ddiamond@ndi-inc.org