Eric Stewart & Don Edgerly REALITY CHECK/LIFE ENHANCEMENT

What is Reality Check/Life Enhancement? Reality Check and Life Enhancement Training was developed to improve retention of CNA’s and other direct care workers by making potential aides aware of the realities of the work and to explore, and perhaps even improve, the suitability for this work. Michigan Works! - through federal and state funding- is able to offer the training to assist motivated individuals interested in training through the Workforce Investment Act.

What is Reality Check/Life Enhancement? (cont’d) Asks the question… Is this job for you?

Historical Context The training is a continuation of a similar training offered through the Career Caregivers Project that was originally funded by the Greater Kalamazoo United Way in 2004.

Reality Check The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly of Direct Care Attributes of Direct Care Workers Sensitivity Training Tour of a Local Nursing Home Personality Types Personal Values Impact and Life Purpose Personal Goals Communication Style Program Elements Life Enhancement

Time Initial program is a 12 hour training over a 2 day period. Reality Check is held on day 1, with Life Enhancement being offered on day 2. “Next Steps” sessions are completed following the completion of a CNA class.

Does it REALLY help? Since July 1, 2010… 36 out of 39 (92%) individuals that attended Reality Check obtained training related employment after their CNA training. 33 out of the 36 (92%) individuals were still employed as of 180 days after their hire date.

Feedback Assisted living, home health agencies, nursing homes and hospital employers hiring students who have completed the “Reality Check / Life Enhancement” class have expressed their increased satisfaction of the workers they have hired.

Why this works? Follow-up Entered Employment Rate Individuals are better prepared for work Increases Placement Rate Retention Rate Retention is addressed prior to training and employment Individuals are more aware of the job realities Identifies individuals suitability for training

Borgess Project Partnership between Borgess Medical Center and Michigan Works! funded through a foundation grant, spring 2007 Goal to reduce turnover in Food and Nutrition Services department MI Works! staff met with department managers and staff to develop customized reality check Applicants required to follow a multi-tiered process within a specific time frame If applicants missed deadlines, they could apply again after six months. Applicants received post card instructing them to contact MI Works! within five business days to schedule an appointment

Borgess Project Continued Those that passed the assessment were scheduled for the Reality Check from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Applicants were instructed to dress in business casual and bring a resume Participated in small and large group activities with an MI Works! facilitator MI Works! staff monitored and evaluated participants – green, yellow, red coded Borgess invited “greens” to interview

Borgess Project Results Significant reduction in voluntary and involuntary turnover Grant funding ran out over the course of two years Borgess took the project in house and expanded to include other positions

Kalamazoo/St. Joseph MI Works! Business Services Develop, update and deactivate job orders on MiTalent.org, the state’s new talent connection website. Resume searches for specific selection criteria Accept applications at the Michigan Works! Service Center and promptly deliver pre-screened applications to your business WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification (fee for service) Business services office space and room scheduling for individual/group interviews and/or testing Fax/copier services available to employers and candidates Paperless processing capacity for employers and candidates Job Fairs * General or * Customized Employer tax credit resources Training opportunities and funding- OJT’s

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES MICHIGAN RELAY CENTER {VOICE AND TTY}. Questions?