1 Customized Employment Strategic Service Delivery Component Disability Employment Initiative

The following chart highlights the core elements associated with this service delivery component and includes the names of the states that will be implementing this approach: Access the following link to learn what each DEI project proposed in their statement of work around this component:

Customized Employment Customized Employment is an Initiative that was established by the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) as a way to build the capacity of the workforce investment systems to serve all customers, including those with disabilities. The strategies developed as a result of this initiative were designed to assist all customers who have complex needs and may require more individual assistance to achieve their employment goals. The Customized Employment Initiative also focused on incorporating universal strategies into all aspects of workforce services.

Customized Employment The customized employment process is a flexible blend of strategies, services, and supports designed to increase employment options for job seekers with complex needs through voluntary negotiation of the employment relationship. The job seeker is the primary source of information and drives the customized employment process.

Customized Employment Basics Customized Employment seeks to individualize the relationship between the job seeker and the employer. The primary components that the Customized Employment process typically include are: Non traditional Assessment or what is referred to as job seeker exploration or discovery – which is the foundation for customized employment. Development of an individual profile Job Carving/Negotiation/Customization of Tasks Supported Employment (when appropriate) Shared Employment Alliance

Job Seeker Exploration Job Seeker exploration is the foundation of the Customized Employment Process. Exploration can be accomplished in a number of ways: Engagement in a process of self exploration that is facilitated by others that involves answering questions, and reflecting on ideas and past experiences and identifying personal issues and challenges. Others may choose to participate in a group setting or job club for shared exploration. Or those with significant complexities may benefit from a facilitated discovery, which includes a process in which a professional, family member or friend spends the necessary time with the job seeker to understand the job seeker’s strengths, needs and preferences.

Development of an Individual Profile Through the process of exploration, as described in the prior slide, job seekers express their dreams, goals, personal preferences, life experiences and needs, all of which lead to the creation of an individualized career profile that: Details the job seeker’s strengths, needs and interests Develops a task list proposal for employers Directs the development of the Customized Employment relationship with Employers. Identifies potential employers to be contacted. Outlines the supports necessary for employment to be successful.

Job Carving/Negotiation/Customization of Tasks Negotiating with Employers is a critical step in Customized Employment. The steps involved in this task include but aren’t limited to the following: Get to know the Job Seeker (Exploration and Discovery) Get to know Employers Find Negotiation Points (The Individual Profile can help with this) Identify Employers Get your foot in the door Use the negotiation points Present the employment Proposal Negotiate for Employer Gain.

Customized Employment: Supported Employment Sometimes after going through the job seeker exploration process and/or discovery it is determined that Supported Employment might be the most appropriate option. In this case, the advocates can work closely with the employer to detail and create the best supported employment situation for the job seeker.

Shared Employment Alliance Customized Employment is about creating a Shared Employment Alliance that provides an avenue to employment for any job seeker who feels that traditional job search methods do not meet their needs. Customized Employment means individualizing the relationship between job seekers and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, requirements, and interests of a person with a complex life. The process is designed to meet the workplace needs of the employer and the discrete tasks of the position. When a customized relationship is developed, a shared employment alliance results.

For More Information For more information on Customized Employment, access: ODEP’s website dedicated to information on Customized Employment and Flexible Work Arrangements National Center on Workforce and Disability website dedicated to information on Customized Employment