Preparing to Collaborate with Agencies
Experiences with agencies will vary due to individual situations and needs. However, there are common steps one can take to prepare for the conversations, meetings and planning with agencies. An individual, family or others with limited experience with agency collaboration should review the recommendations below to prepare for the collaborative process as well as to enhance effectiveness of agency collaboration and teaming.
Review the Basics. Use resources such as the Ohio Employment First Navigation Tool to get a general idea of the variety of agencies that might be able to support employment before delving deep into any one agency's information. This can narrow your focus and give you an idea where to begin.
Learn About Selected Agencies. Gain more insight about the agencies that are most likely to provide assistance. Use online resources and visit agency websites. Talk with agency representatives and ask colleagues and family members that have experience working with agencies in order to gain more information. Choose the source wisely! Not every person or organization has the most up to date or accurate information.
Identify the Employment Goal. Write down the goal (or goals) and practice describing the goal to others and what it means. Describe any anticipated steps that may be necessary to reach the goal. When unsure of the goal, or have several ideas, be ready to describe a vision or considerations. Preparing ahead for a goal discussion can demonstrate readiness to pursue a career and future vision.
Describe Strengths and Interests. Create a profile that will include a description of talents, experiences, successes, and other strengths that are valuable to an employer. Include an overview of interests as well. When interests can be incorporated into employment opportunities the success of the employment outcome is often magnified.
Identify the Need. Before meeting with agencies, take time to identify the needs related to achieving and continuing employment. Be careful not to create a list of services, but instead talk about the person. "I need to learn how to communicate better with my boss'. "She needs to develop foundational employability skills' "He needs to figure out what he really wants to do for a job'. "I need to improve how quickly I complete the job tasks'. Identifying the need will assist in identifying the correct service or support.
Document Current Support. As a person engages with agencies, having information available about his/her current sources for support or services can be helpful. This can include financial assistance, transportation, formal and informal on-the-job supports. Examples of resources that a person might have access to include (but are not limited to):
More Formal
- Medicaid/Medicaid Waiver
- Social Security Administration funding
- Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities eligibility or services
- TANF
- Job and Family Service programs
- Vocational School Programs
- County Board of Developmental Disabilities programs, services or coordination
Less Formal
- Family and friends
- Social Networks
- Faith-based Networks
Throughout this guide information and links to agencies have been provided as appropriate to the topic. The following subsections offer an overview of several agencies that prepare and support people to enter employment.
Additional information about these agencies is also referenced previously in the Agency Navigation Tool.