Job Placement
The mission of OVR is to assist Kentuckians with disabilities achieve suitable employment and independence. Job placement refers to those activities that will lead to employment of individuals that is consistent with their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. Placement services are provided to eligible consumers in assisting them to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment. The placement of individuals must occur in the most integrated setting possible before they can be considered rehabilitated.
Job placement is a joint effort among the counselor, consumer, OVR support staff, family, other representatives and groups that are involved in the individual’s rehabilitation. There are many tools and resources to assist both the consumer and counselor in job placement activities. These include the Vocational Rehabilitation Job Placement Specialists, Community Rehabilitation Programs, PACE, and private vendors. The counselor has the responsibility to ensure that the consumer has the information necessary to make an informed choice regarding the job placement services that are most appropriate in order to achieve a successful employment outcome.
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Job Placement Team |
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There is a statewide Job Placement Team that consists of the Job Placement Specialists from each district. The Job Placement Specialists offer an array of services to both consumers and employers. Often, as a representative of the agency, the JP Specialist acts as a liaison between other OVR staff and employers to coordinate necessary services, insuring that everyone’s needs are met.
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Training |
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There are many job placement training opportunities available for new and seasoned employees. The first step should be a contact with the statewide job placement coordinator who will assist each employee in setting up a training schedule based on their individuals needs.
Job placement training for new Job Placement Specialists is guided by three competency checklists. The "condensed list" gives all of the areas of competency required of job placement professionals. The "detailed list" provides detailed information on the area's of competency to be developed by new job placement staff. Meeting the requirements of the competency checklist is a timely and ongoing process.
The "Resource Key" provides guidance as to where the new staff will find the information and training they need to complete the competencies. The Resource Key includes the new UK Training Modules which are highly recommended for all new job placement specialists. At the top of the Resource Key there is also a suggested list of meetings that may be scheduled to train the new job placement staff.
The statewide Job Placement Team meets several times a year for training. The specialists also share ideas and experiences to enhance opportunities for consumers and employers. On-line training opportunities as well as notices of professional organization training events are sent out as they are available.
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