1. The Art of Job Matching: Customizing the Placement Process SD Disability Employment Initiative Training Spearfish, SD September 10, 2014

2. Think about the Job Successes… Yours Others

3. How Important is the Job Match? “No amount of training and support can patch a poor job match.” (The Rehabilitation Counselor Desk Top Guide)

4. Sometimes It can be Hard to Find that Good Fit

5. A job opening Services “Others” Our boss Funding Economy Location What is the result? What Often Influences Our Job Placement Decisions?

6. What Factors are Important to Consider in Job Placement?  The skills, interests, passions, and support needs of the individual  The opportunities and business needs of the employer  Bridge the gaps with training, supports, and accommodations

7. What Can Be the Challenges? No work experience Unrealistic goals/expectations Lack of skills, negative behaviors Don’t know what they want to do Not sure if they want to work Employers not willing to hire No jobs available Need a lot of training/support

8. I Assessment/ Discovery V Fading/ Follow-Along III Customized Job Placement IV Job Training SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT II Job Development

9. Assessment/Discovery: What Do We Need to Know? Not: Can this person work? Can this person do the job? Response to specific questions or arbitrary criteria. Focus On: What are this individual’s skills, interests, preferences, and support needs?

10. Assessment/Discovery Talk to the individual; spend time together Observe in multiple environments Talk with people who know him/her Identify existing routines, people, supports Conduct community and situational assessments Determine his or her passions, likes & dislikes, what works and what doesn’t

11. Job Development: What Do We Need to Know? Not: What employer will hire this individual? Focus On: What is the best job match for this individual?

12. Job Development Become familiar with the business community Develop relationships with local businesses Find out about specific companies Tap into personal networks Develop your sales approach Present the benefits, make dollar and cents case

13. Customized Job Placement Compare assessment and job analysis information Typically match on some important variables Explore creative job possibilities Meet with the employer; focus on individual’s strengths Emphasize how the employer will benefit Negotiate a business arrangement Commit to immediate next steps

14. Job Training: What Do We Need to Know? Not: Can this individual do the job independently? Focus On: Is the training and support effective in teaching this individual to perform the job to the employer’s standards?

15. What Do We Do About Those Areas Where There is a Discrepancy? Implement job supports and accommodations Instructional strategies Natural supports and cues Assistive technology Environmental modifications Compensatory strategies Employer negotiations Job Training

16. Tools

17. Fading/Follow Along Support: What Do We Need to Know? Not: Can this individual stay employed? Focus On: What does this individual need to stay employed?

18. Fading/Follow Along Begin the very first day of work Think about all the supports provided Promote natural support networks Use data to make decisions Be prepared; leave nothing to chance Be proactive; don’t wait until it happens Develop an on-going support plan Monitor and respond

19. There is an Employment ‘Niche’ for Everyone

20. Video

21. For more information, contact Wendy Parent-Johnson USD Center for Disabilities Wendy.parentjohnson@usd.edu (605)357-1468 www.usd.edu/cd