Employers as Customers: The Benefits of Working with a Business Advisory Council (BAC) Jewish Vocational Service Boston, MA Anne B. Chace, MSW Lead Employment Specialist

Business Advisory Council (BAC) Independence Through Employment (ITE)  JVS BAC active for 5 years  The JVS BAC is part of a Project with Industry named Independence through Employment (ITE)  ITE assists adults with significant disabilities & long-term unemployment to choose, obtain, and maintain competitive employment.  Program services: Assessment, Job readiness, customer service training, job placement, and follow-up

PWI BAC Requirements  Business representative is chair  Representative from DVR & Union  Program monitoring & evaluation  BAC members review resumes, prepare customers for interviews: telephone and in person, provide job opportunities and hiring procedure information

BAC Member Recruitment  Employer representatives invited by staff from major industries in the local job market  Targeted JVS industries: hospitality, health care, education, retail, document imaging, human services, cultural institutions, security, staffing agencies, government and one stop career center  Members’ backgrounds: human resource recruiters/generalists, labor union member, diversity/affirmative action officers, managers/supervisors, civil rights attorney, service provider professionals, vocational rehabilitation counselor, and advocates  One member is a customer of the ITE program  4 members are persons with disabilities

How to maintain a viable BAC?  Members personal interest  Demonstrated track record of recruiting, interviewing, and hiring people with disabilities  Clarify expectations/role  Develop menu of participation beyond hiring  State what is in the businesses interest

Business Role  Chair the BAC, facilitate, and host meetings  Recruit people onto the BAC  Speak at business associations on PWI behalf, share promising practices  Discuss issues associated with employing persons with disabilities  Educate staff and job seekers about hiring, industry trends, required job qualifications

PWI Staff Role  Minutes of meetings, maintain database/distribution list, write meeting agenda with chair  Give them things to do (i.e. event planning, create marketing materials)  Recognize business leaders for their involvement, contributions, and successes  Refer qualified candidates to jobs  Stay in touch with businesses in-between meetings (i.e. mock interview, resume critiques, etc.)

BAC Meetings  Monthly, except July & August  Morning time slot, 1 hour 15 min.  Set schedule (third Wed. of month)  Start and end on time  Coffee!  Agenda: program update, news. Trends/issues, “meet the job seeker”