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The Transitional Jobs Demonstration Program addresses the needs of the chronically unemployed, offering hope and skill-building for those disenfranchised. With a focus on individual assessment and intensive support, the program tackles barriers to employment such as soft skills deficiencies, and personal challenges including substance abuse. Participants engage in tailored training sessions, receive certifications, and gain vital work experience through subsidized placements. Our results speak volumes: 171 applicants, 127 placements, and lives transformed as individuals regain confidence and reconnect with their communities.
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Transitional Jobs Demonstration Program 107 new directions to Self Sufficiency
The‘Disenfranchised’ • Unemployed for 4 weeks or more • Chronically unemployed • No Unemployment Benefits • Low household income • Lacking essential work skills
Our Challenge • To get others “to want to”……. • Instilling a feeling of hope to those that have given up • Building basic responsibility skills • To keep them engaged long enough to build skill levels
We began our adventure…. • Identifying key behaviors/competencies that would be needed to gain employment • Individual Assessment of Current Literacy Skills • Identify each person’s historical barriers to success • Intensive support- 1-1 session • Dimension Assessment • IEP’s completed
What did we learn • Soft skills were a major limiting factor • Internal discipline was not sustainable • Support and encouragement was strongly needed • 8 basic training sessions • Underlying Drugs, Alcohol, and Mental Health issues • Both willingness and abilities had to be addressed • Immediate employment was needed
Beginning Challenges • Getting people to do administrative paperwork to start the program • Needed basic checking account knowledge for payroll • Background Checks (for us to use in placement) • Childcare • Transportation • Getting a pool of eligible people • Internal biases about people they knew • Qualified Employment Coaches
Getting Employer Host Sites • Incubation Sites (ICAA jobs) • Marketed to 6 Counties- (Personal Visits) • Small Businesses more interested • Subsidized worker for 1040 hours • Coaching/training provided • Background checks completed • Matched worker skills with employer needs (Child Care) • Some workers found their own work site
Education and Certification • Almost all received additional skill development • Interviewing Skills • Interpersonal development • Career Planning • Budgeting 40% Received Formal Classes • On-Line Classes: AODA, accounting, • WITC classes-AA degrees, computer, Management skills • CDL’s, Mechanic skills • Child Care Certifications • CNA’s • GED’s
Support Services • Gas Cards • Bus Tokens • Clothing • Auto repairs • Skill building monthly sessions • Established Internal Support Networks
Issues and Challenges • Very time consuming for Employment Coaches • Keeping trained Employment Coaches • Time Sheets were a hassle for everyone • Some did not see work as a “real” job • Lots of “drama” to deal with
Program Challenges, Drama, and Results • Possible Program Shutdown • Governor was shutting down program to save $ • 17 different programs in the State • We united with a e-mail campaign collecting results • Presented to the Secretary of State the results • Some were not refunded, some reduced • Results: • We received an additional $383k and added • We had a total of 71 slots • We had 171 applicants • 127 were placed
Lives Were Changed-Some were not • NOT: Believed only in themselves • Rocki- • Jeremy- • Chris • Life was more exciting than the working life • Lives Changed: Individual people believed in her potential- Became connected to community, family or person • Amber • Nancy • Brandon
TJ Success Stories • Support group around them made a difference • Re-gained confidence in their abilities • Felt proud of themselves when they received a paycheck and learned some new skills • Program helped them stay on track and helped them accomplish something
TJ Goals Surpassed • Exceeded our numbers • Most are still employed, getting promotions/raises • Some are continuing their education • Sound more hopeful, upbeat and optimistic • 14
Learnings and Recommendations • Incubation necessary • Close personal attention to each individual • Built relationships with a coach • Incentive bonuses don’t make a difference • Car repair is a black hole • Close relationship with employers and their intent to hire. • Be prepared for LOTS of drama
Final Note from Diane • Those who seem the most impossible actually can make it and change their lives. • It’s an expensive program, takes time and patience. • $10k per person, 6 months minimum • Employment Coaches must become not only a job coach, but also a life coach.