What is Workforce Development?
Workforce Development is for the purpose of contributing to the successful transition of clients into the work force as productive, law-abiding citizens. Ultimately, this will assist the community and the individual by helping to provide safer streets, preventing future costly incarcerations and wasted human potential.
Why should I be involved?
There is compelling evidence to support the position that unemployment contributes to recidivism. An individual’s successful reintegration back into the community is often dependent upon successful integration into the labor market. Often this can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for clients, as changing technology, business practices, and shifts in the economy continue to reshape the job market.
The following is a list of key ingredients in the task of staying employed long term:
- Training/Job Skills
- Appropriate Attire
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Employer Acceptance
- Documentation
- Identification
- Positive Role Models
- Emotional Support
What can Workforce Development do for me?
For successful integration into today’s workforce, many clients are dependent upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals to assist them with matching their abilities, aptitudes, and interests to potential job and career paths. Skilled practitioners are well aware that individuals struggle with complicated life circumstances and encounter a myriad of challenges regarding job placement, job retention, and advancement. Through the transference of skills, practitioners can support clients by broadening their horizons, helping them to develop their strengths and talents, and teaching them how to make informed decisions about jobs, licensing or bonding requirements, working conditions, educational and training requirements, employment opportunities, and various career paths.
Overcoming barriers to employment
A major goal of U.S. Probation is to reduce client recidivism. This can be accomplished by developing an action plan to reduce risks and increase success:
- Regular meetings with the probation officer
- Establish relationship w/job readiness program/IDES
- Enroll in Vocational training
- Participate in substance abuse treatment/random drug testing
- Assist/Guide the individual to develop short/long term plans
- Develop appropriate job referrals, making note of offense