elite career solutions 2710 w. court st. suites 1&2 flint, mi (p) (w)

Transcription

1 elite career solutions 2710 w. court st. suites 1&2 flint, mi (p) (w)

2 A partnership of Elite Career Solutions (ECS) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), was established to provide services to felons being released to the Flint area. Focusing on vocational training, and wrap around career services enabling them to eventually become selfsufficient.

3 People with a felony background who are working: Re-enter the mainstream of society. Gain enhanced self-esteem. Become more self-sufficient. Pay more taxes. Have more spending power -- contributing to the health of our economy.

4 Higher employment rates among people with previous felony convictions mean: Reduced welfare and institutionalization costs. Increased taxpayer savings of millions of dollars. Disability in the Incarcerated Population Based on data from a 2012 Department of Justice (DOJ) survey, about 52 percent of

5 jail inmates, 39 percent of state prison inmates, and 27 percent of Federal prison inmates report a disability of some sort. Mental and learning disabilities are particularly prevalent in the jail and state prison populations. The prevalence of disability in the incarcerated population, almost all of which is of working age, appears to be two to three times as high

6 as in the household workingage population, although exact comparisons based on published data are problematic due to different definitions of disability and differences in demographics. In the past 40 years, Flint has suffered tremendous economic blows and has been one of the hardest hit cities in one of the hardest hit states in

7 the current recession. Flint now has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country at 13.7 % for This rate exceeds Michigan s unemployment rate of 12.5% and the national rate of 9.6% for the same period. With the loss of jobs, compounded by residents escaping blight, crime and violence, Flint has steadily lost population. Of those remaining today, more

8 than one-third (34.4%), live below the poverty level compared to 13.2% in the nation. With such drastic job loss and population decline, the City of Flint has lost most of its tax base and currently faces a $20 million + deficit. Massive layoffs in the Department of Public Safety and the lack of jail space have contributed to

9 increased crimes such as homicides that hit a record 65 in 2010 that s more than one person killed every week. Further, Flint has the highest aggravated assault rate in the nation and is identified as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. with populations of 50,000 or greater. The FBI has labeled certain areas of the city, Delta zones, meaning the area is so violent that it is

10 recommended that the police respond to the area only with assistance from other officers. Recently Flint has been the victim of a man made water crisis, which has seen high levels of lead work its way into the drinking water of many homes throughout the city. Bottom line is these individuals need a support network, and we have created partnerships with

11 United States Probation Department for the Eastern District of Michigan Legal Services of Eastern Michigan Community Ventures -Flint Voyage Shuttle and other stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of this effort.

12 Below is an overview of some of the services and training courses, but not limited to, that are administered in the program. Vocational/ Psychological Testing Determines disability- related barriers to employment; identify ability/capability and interest for employment,

13 obtain recommendations for treatment and vocational success. Resume Internet/ Workshop This workshop as a standalone, benefits felons with disabilities who have a good work history and still qualify to work within their previous field. Usually they will have served a short sentence of

14 incarceration. Participant works with our staff to create a functional resume and cover letter that will serve as a calling card during their career search. We will open a business appropriate titled address, and teach how to attach documents to composed s with proper introduction text

15 Teach if needed how to search and navigate internet job posting sites. Electronic copies of resume and cover letter will be sent to customer and counselor. Mentoring Services elite Mentoring Services are a unique way to provide customers and disabilities with

16 a designated Career Coach/ Mentor with whom they individually develop a relationship. We have found that many of our customers with disabilities, have barriers, which cannot be overcome through a course alone. The hands-on approach helps with understanding the real needs of customers. Most

17 importantly, the mentor becomes a confident to the customer at the most important time of the employment process, increasing retention and case closure. We have a group of mentors with unparalleled education, and life experiences; and we will take in consideration many factors

18 when assigning a mentor to ensure successful sessions. If the counselor has a staff member in mind that they are requesting, then those accommodations will be made. Paycheck Management/ Financial Awareness Our Mentors act as a liaison for the customer

19 when dealing with economic or professional issues during the job placement period. Assist in defining and selecting additional training, and/or educational opportunities in line with set career goals. Employability Course Preparation Pre-Game

20 Perception vs. Reality Confidence, Speech, Enthusiasm & Attitude Application/ Resume/ Cover Letter / Phone Etiquette Organization/ Self- Management Finding Work, Is Work

21 Finding and Securing Employment Developing a Plan with Realistic Expectations Working with Your Case Worker and Job Development Specialist Overcoming Your Barriers/ Obstacles Interviewing Skills/ Mock Interview Exercises Presenting Your Skill Set and Abilities

22 Follow Up and Thank You Letter/ s Professionalism While On the Job Post Employment Training Workplace Ethics and Culture Personal Presentation On the Job No Call, No Show, No Job Pride in Ownership

23 Climbing the Ladder Family and Friends Personal Skills Course Basic Skills- writing, listening, speaking, arithmetic Thinking Skillsvisualization, reasoning, problem solving, creative thinking, decision making

24 Personal Qualities- credibility, integrity, selfesteem, responsibility, sociability, time management Personal Career Goals/ Utilizing Resources Job Placement/ Services Includes but not limited to: Initial meeting with customer to ensure that the

25 opening/ Job Order matches with the desires and expectations of the customer, counselor, as well as the employer. In depth job development, that takes in consideration job goals but also location, hours and work-site culture Arrange interview(s) with employer(s) and take responsibility of making sure

26 the client is prepared and has transportation to interview(s) and orientation. When allowed by employer, sit in on interview and advocate on the customer s behalf. Provide detailed supportive service request on behalf of the customer as needed and requested by the employer. We will

27 include store estimates/ quotes when possible. Follow up with employers, and the customers who are hired on an ongoing basis accompanied with 30, 60, 90 day reports. Supportive Services Supportive services include services such as transportation,

28 expungements, interview clothing or work clothing that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in jobplacement and training activities as well as eliminating barriers to assist with long term employment placement. When necessary we will work with other partners and community service agencies to ensure the coordination of resources and services.

29 Supportive Services payments are requested individually for specific needs, and may be made on a case-by-case basis only when determined necessary and reasonable.