QWE Practice Guideline: 300: Collaborate and link with community resources

Target group: Any organization employing or supporting individuals with disabilities

Practice Description

Individuals with disabilities were included in the strategic planning process.

Resources Needed

Subject matter experts/trainers

• Staff to build partnerships with local organizations

Equipment

• Materials that may be used at work site and can be used for pre-training

Labor hours

• Time for staff to scout and build relationships with local organizations
• Time for pre-training by staff for individuals with disabilities interested in employment
• Time for on-the-job support by staff for individuals with disabilities that obtain employment

Implementation Process

Process

• Witco developed a partnership with a local school district, working with the Supervisor of the Food Service Department
• When the school district has employment opportunities available, it contacts Witco
• Employment opportunities must be competitive and integrated
• Witco provides pre-employment and on-the-job support for individuals with disabilities that are interested in working for the school district
• Pre-employment services include, but are not limited to
  • Soft skills training
  • Resume creation
  • Interview preparedness
• On-the-Job support includes, but is not limited to
  • Orienting to your new job
  • Building professional relationships
  • Time management
  • Understanding your tasks

Documentation

• SOPs
  • Processes and procedures for connecting with local organizations and securing a partnership agreement
  • Processes and procedures for pre-training and on-the-job support

Outcomes/Results

• Initially resulted in 17 individuals obtaining employment
• Presentation of the program at a statewide meeting helped promote expansion of the program to additional school districts within the state

NPA: Witco
Location: Caldwell, ID
Date Submitted: 2013
Website: http://www.witcoinc.net/

Resources: Quality Work Environment Workbook