EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT How to develop relationships with businesses that will provide work experiences for transition age youth

INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT FOCUS ON COLLABORATION  Employment First Initiative adopted in Oregon in 2008  Executive Order stating that all individuals experiencing a disability have the right to integrated employment at competitive wages.  MOU: Education, VR and ODDS

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE STARTING TO GET WORK EXPERIENCES  Has the student worked at an in-school business  Do the parents support the work experience?  Does the student have a resume and interview skills  When is the best time to refer the student to VR  Types of long term supports needed when in paid employment

SEQUENCE FOR THE GOAL OF PAID EMPLOYMENT Types of Work 1. In school business 2. Work experience/Volun teer work 3. Job Shadow 4. Paid employment Who is responsible 1. School 2. School 3. School/VR 4. VR in partnership with “Employment Team”

Seamless Transition Flow of Student Services Service Outcomes 10th Grade (or 3 yrs prior to exit) ENROLL 11th Grade (or 2 yrs prior to exit) VR opens case Applications for Post school (DD,MH) 12th Grade (or 1 yr prior to exit) Paid Employment Linkages Post School Completion (2 yrs beyond high school) Post school Follow Up Selection Criteria Desire to participate Need supports to seamlessly transition Receiving Special Education services Eligible for VR service In paid employment receiving supports from CRP (if needed) or Enrolled postsecondary education receiving supports from Disability campus services (as needed/as requested) Direct Services Self-determination instruction Positive personal/ career profile Work-based Experiences Paid Employment Supports DISCOVERY PROCESS Student-led IEP developmentHealth & Social Linkages Family Support/ParticipationPublic Benefits Management (all services are adjunct to school and academic preparation)

4 STEPS TO EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT  Prospect  Needs Analysis  Benefits/selling  Follow up

FINDING TARGET COMPANIES  Finding businesses that have the types of work experiences (jobs) that would mirror the students job interests  Determine the geographic area(s) that you want to look for businesses. Example: close to school and transportation accessibility

HOW TO FIND COMPANIES MEETING ESTABLISHED CRITERIA  “Google”  Job sites: Indeed and Craigslist  Drive the area  Networking

TYPES OF BUSINESS  Animals  Grocery  People  Fitness/Sports  Retail  Cooking/Restaurant  Caregiving

TYPES OF JOBS  Office work  Stocking  Greeter/Customer Service  Walking dogs  Cleaning (cars/restaurant)  Shipping Prep  Child care (supervised)

TARGET LIST  Once you have chosen businesses put them into a tracking system.  What format will work best for you to track each contact with the businesses

TRACKING PHONE CALL/MEETING NOTES  Tracking system for the information from phone calls and meetings you have  What to put in the notes  “Reminders” for follow up contact…include the date and the information to be provided.

COMPANY CONTACT NAME TITLE PHONE ADDRESS LAST CONTACT SUMMARY

TIME TO “MARKET”  Have dedicated time each week to market  Be diligent in keeping this time  Set goals for yourself

PLANNING MEETINGS/DRIVING AN AREA  Plan to go to as many businesses in a specific area that are on your “target list”  Group targets on target list by location and day. Example: Portland-SE on Monday/SW on Tuesday/NE on Wednesday/NW on Thursday

HOW TO FIND THE DECISION MAKER  Can start with “influencer”  Someone you may know from outside the business with a contact  LinkedIn

MARKETING MATERIAL  Business cards  Brochure/Trifold  Business references or testimonials

INITIAL CONTACT: WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU  PHONE   IN PERSON

INITIAL CONTACT  What is the purpose of contacting this person  Features (what you have to offer) and Benefits (how will this “benefit” this company or hiring manager)

SCHEDULING A MEETING  Tell the person the reason you want to meet. Be specific with this.  Give them 2 or 3 times/dates to choose from  Specify the location of the meeting  Tell them the meeting will last for (specific number of minutes).

FIRST MEETING  This is when you start building the relationship…people work with people they like and respect  Do the Business Needs Analysis  Go over “Features and Benefits”  Ask them the best way to communicate with them? Examples: phone or  Discuss next steps. Examples: tour of facility, meeting other staff or bringing student out to do a job shadow.

SUBSQUENT MEETINGS  Continue to build relationship  Get more information on the business and how their needs fit what your students can do  The benefits again of our students working for their company.

JOB CARVING  When meeting with company discuss the types of tasks the student(s) can do. What the student can contribute to the company  Give examples of tasks that the student(s) can do that relate to the job(s) you’re creating

WORK A “JOB” THAT THE STUDENT WILL BE DOING  Volunteer to work the “job” that you are going to have your students do.  Creates “buy-in” from the employer

QUESTIONS?????

THANK YOU!!! Robbie Spencer Regional Employment Coordinator and Trainer