{\rtf1\ansi\deff0\deftab360

{\fonttbl
{\f0\fswiss\fcharset0 Arial}
{\f1\froman\fcharset0 Times New Roman}
{\f2\fswiss\fcharset0 Verdana}
{\f3\froman\fcharset2 Symbol}
}

{\colortbl;
\red0\green0\blue0;
}

{\info
{\author ici}{\operator me@noginn.com}{\title ici_pub_176}}

\f0\fs24
\paperw11907\paperh16839
\pgncont\pgndec\pgnstarts1\pgnrestart
\par \fs48\b Creating Effective Business Partnerships: What Businesses Want Human Service Agencies to Know\b0\fs24\par \par \fs36\b MassWorks 4\b0\fs24\par \par By: Rick Kugler, Cindy Thomas \par \par Suggested audiences: Direct support professionals, New England, Agency managers \par \par Originally published: 6/2006 \par \par \i Focusing on the integration of disability, workforce development, & employment services\i0  \par \f3\'B7\tab\f0  Feature Article\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0  Events\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0  Resources\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0  Acknowledgements\par  \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp20 \pard\par \par \fs36\b Creating Effective Business Partnerships: What Businesses Want Human Service Agencies to Know\b0\fs24\par  \par In October 2005, the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston hosted Mission: Employment II, a conference that brought together people with disabilities and workforce, rehabilitation, and employment professionals. Representatives from the Massachusetts Business Leadership Network (MassBLN) presented these tips on how employment service providers can better respond to companies' needs. The MassBLN is an association of Massachusetts companies committed to a diverse marketplace that includes people with disabilities as both customers and employees. For more information on the MassBLN, visit  www.massbln.com. \par \par While the primary customer of employment services for people with disabilities is the job seeker, placement services can only succeed if they meet the needs of business. This issue of MassWorks examines the "demand side" of job development.  \par \par Effective business partnerships have three essential elements: knowledge, preparation, and strong relationships. \par \par \fs27\b 1. Knowledge is power \b0\fs24\par \f3\'B7\tab\f0 Research potential businesses\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0 Review the qualifications and essential functions of posted positions\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0 Know the job seeker's abilities and skills\par  \par Knowledge -- of the business and the job seeker -- is a key ingredient for a good job match. Armed with a solid understanding of the job seekers' interests and skills, both job developers and job seekers should learn all they can about potential employers.  \par \par Most employers have a website that can be a wealth of information. Review job postings and descriptions thoroughly to make sure that both the job developer and job seeker understand the essential job functions and employer expectations. This will prepare job seekers for the interview process and demonstrate their interest in the company. \par \par \fs27\b 2. Be prepared\b0\fs24\par \f3\'B7\tab\f0 Prepare the job seeker well for the application process and the job interview \par\f3\'B7\tab\f0 Develop a plan for requesting accommodations if they are necessary\par  \par Appearance counts. You can't undo a first impression. Both the job developer and job seeker should present themselves in a manner that fits the company's culture. Practice interview skills with the job seeker and make sure that applications are completed neatly and accurately. Resumes and any other written communication should be \b flawless\b0 .  \par \par If a job seeker needs an accommodation during the hiring process, develop a plan for requesting the accommodation that will give the employer enough information without sharing unnecessary information. Disclosure should be handled functionally, avoiding diagnostic labels or treatment information. If the nature of a job seeker's disability might cause an employer to question the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the job, be prepared to explain clearly and simply how the job seeker will perform these tasks.  \par \par \fs27\b 3. It's all about relationships\b0\fs24\par \f3\'B7\tab\f0 Leave your agenda at the door\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0 Keep communication concise\par\f3\'B7\tab\f0 Nurture relationships \par  \par Identify the best entry point within a company, and then build a relationship with that employer by learning about their business and workforce needs. In larger companies, relationships with recruiters and human resources departments are important.  \par \par Stay attuned to the employer's priorities. Employers and recruiters schedule meetings or interviews with the hope that they will be able to fill a vacancy or meet a workforce need in the company. Your desire to place the job seeker or meet a placement quota should not be part of the conversation or tempt you to present an unqualified candidate.  \par \par Respect the manager or recruiter's time. All employers appreciate a well-prepared job seeker. The job seeker should bring extra resumes. Keep paperwork or documentation organized.  \par \par A good relationship with a corporate recruiter or other key contact can help you not only to create an opportunity for this job seeker but to open the door for future placements. Through these relationships, the job developer can clarify the skill sets a good candidate needs and come to understand a sometimes overlooked feature -- organizational culture.  \par \par Be sure to maintain ongoing communication, arrive punctually for meetings, and follow through with your commitments. Remember, if an employer has unfilled job openings, it's a problem for the company. If you can help a company fill those openings, and be honest when you cannot, you will become a valued recruitment source.  \par \par Successful job development for people with disabilities boils down to good customer service. Developing good relationships -- with job seekers to understand their skills, and with employers to understand their needs -- will help you deliver services that \b all\b0  your customers value.  \par \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp20 \pard\par \par \fs36\b Events\b0\fs24\par \par \b September 18-19: Job Accommodation Network Conference, Boston, MA.\b0  This event unites JAN consultants with experts in employment law, innovative employment practices, and disability issues on behalf of employers and service providers. CEUs are available. Register at  http://conference.jan.wvu.edu. \par \par \b September 27: Building Teamwork, Increasing Morale, and Improving Communication, Worcester, MA.\b0  Improve your managerial effectiveness by enhancing your communication savvy to improve team communication and morale while maintaining productivity. Visit  www.nercep.org for more information. \par \par \b Online, on-demand: "Adding Value to the Business" and "Hiring People with Disabilities: Good Public Relations or Good Business?"\b0  Improve your business relationships by participating in these free archived webcasts from the Training and Technical Assistance for Providers (T-TAP) project:  www.t-tap.org/training/onlineseminars/os.html \par \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp20 \pard\par \par \fs36\b Resources\b0\fs24\par \par Learn about successful corporate models that promote the employment of people with disabilities through collaboration with human service organizations at  www.worksupport.com/research/viewContent.cfm/578 \par \par To find out more about the local business climate, check out MassINC ( www.massinc.org) an independent, nonpartisan research and education institute that brings together business and labor, advocates, and policymakers to analyze employment conditions in Massachusetts.  \par \par Visit the ICI website  www.ForEmployers.com for resources on recruitment, accommodations, legal issues, and other topics that can help both employers and providers include people with disabilities in the workforce. \par \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw30\brsp20 \pard\par \par \fs36\b Acknowledgements\b0\fs24\par \par Additional contributors to this issue included Rick Kugler and Cindy Thomas. Thanks also to Kathleen Petkauskos of the Resource Partnership ( www.resourcepartnership.org) for coordinating the Mission: Employment II presentation by MassBLN members. \par \par For more information, contact: \par Rick Kugler\par Institute for Community Inclusion \par UMass Boston \par 100 Morrissey Blvd. \par Boston, Massachusetts 02125 \par 617/287-4378 (v) \par 617/287-4350 (TTY) \par  rick.kugler@umb.edu\par  www.massworks.org \par \par This issue of MassWorks is funded by the Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Grant (Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services CFDA # 93-768), a collaborative project of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Center for Health Policy & Research at UMass Medical School, and the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston. \par \par This newsletter will be made available in alternate formats upon request.  \par }