VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Introduction to Outreach in the WIPA Program June

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Training Objectives Upon completion of this training, participants will: 1.Identify the 4 message points CWICs should be communicating during all outreach activities. 2.Describe the requirements Social Security places on outreach activity for WIPA projects. 3.Describe at least 3 successful strategies for conducting outreach for transition age youth and 4.Identify community agencies that can assist with outreach to transition age youth. 2

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Purpose of Outreach Activities Raising awareness of WIPA services – what they include and who they are intended to assist. Dispelling myths about how Social Security disability benefits are affected by paid employment. Establishing relationships with community agencies to advance our shared mission - promoting employment among Social Security disability beneficiaries. 3

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Social Security Administration’s Requirements for WIPA Outreach Use maximum of 10% of WIPA resources on outreach. Target transition age youth with outreach resources. Referrals from TTW helpline and those with jobs are to be served on a priority basis. Collaborate with BASS regarding WISE events when possible (NOT required, but appreciated). Collaborate with AWICs and other community partner agencies for outreach to beneficiaries. 4

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Definition of Transition Age Youth The Terms and Conditions of the WIPA award state, “Outreach expenditures shall comprise no more than 10% of resources (WIPA budget) and should target transition age youth by working closely with schools and parents. For the purposes of WIPA services and the Terms and Conditions of WIPA awards, Social Security defines beneficiaries between the ages of 14 and 25 as transition- aged youth. 5

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Outreach Considerations Outreach is an ongoing activity. CWICs must carefully budget staff time to perform outreach. Work smart by doing research and developing a written outreach plan. Stay focused – outreach should result in appropriate referrals! 66

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Staying “On Message!” Paid employment and disability benefits are NOT mutually exclusive. It is possible to work and keep Medicaid or Medicare in almost every case. It is possible to work and come out ahead financially even if benefits are reduced. The object of WIPA is to promote employment and enhance financial independence. The WIPA initiative is NOT intended to force people off benefits, nor is it intended to help people maximize their benefits. 77

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER A Word about Marketing Presentations Keep your presentations short with the content focused on the following questions: –What are the tangible benefits of your services? –What problems will your services solve? –How will potential future problems be avoided? –What are the unique “features” of your services? NOTE: All marketing materials must be approved by Social Security. 88

VCU NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER Evaluating Outreach Efforts Keep track of your outreach activities and how much time is being spent on outreach. Track the source of referrals and educate partner agencies about inappropriate referrals. Check penetration rates within high priority sub-groups – particularly transition age youth. Double check how disability and cultural issues are being accommodated! Refine strategies to increase appropriate referrals and decrease inappropriate referrals. 99