ILC-Based On-the-Job Training for VR Consumers --
Northeastern Pennsylvania

Overview

In this informal collaboration between the Anthracite Region and the state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the ILC provided on-the-job training to four OVR consumers, with the consumers' salaries partially subsidized by OVR during the training period. The goal of the collaboration was to provide the OVR consumers with opportunities for long-term employment and to help the ILC fill available clerical positions. The consumers' IWRPs specified the training to be provided by Anthracite Region CIL and the length of the training period.

Anthracite Region CIL trained the consumers as clerical workers over a six-month period while providing them with employment supports and independent skills training. The ILC's Executive Director provided direct supervision. All four consumers continued to work for the ILC after the training period for over a year, three in full-time positions. The ILC and VR agency are willing to collaborate in additional on-the-job training opportunities.

Program Approach

The collaborative effort provided an on-the-job training approach to employment, with the VR agency subsidizing the wages of trainees working at the ILC. As in other basic cooperative VR/IL efforts, this collaboration:

• Focused on consumers' vocational goals;
• Documented its services and outcomes internally in case files and reported them to the collaborating agency;
• Addressed mutually recognized local needs and barriers to employment; and
• Was founded on a willingness and ability of staff at each agency to work together despite differing program philosophies and organizational goals.

Problem or Need Addressed

The collaboration addressed the twofold need of training for OVR consumers and filling clerical positions at Anthracite Region CIL. As defined by OVR standards, all four participants in the program were identified as having significant to severe disabilities.

Program Processes

The collaboration did not operate under a contract or other written agreement. Collaborative efforts were informal and began when the ILC notified the local OVR office that training positions were open. Following a discussion between CIL representatives and the consumers' OVR counselors, an IWRP was written for each consumer specifying the details of the consumers' training at Anthracite Region CIL, including the type of supervision to be provided by the agency and a six-month time limit for OJT completion. Setting their own goals and developing their IWRPs, the consumers actively participated in making sure there needs were met through the training arrangement. ILC staff supervised

Collaboration history and funding

Two consumers started their on-the-job training at Anthracite Region CIL in 1995, and successfully completed their training. The ILC contacted OVR again in 1998 in order to conduct a second on-the-job training project and hired two of its volunteers. During both OJT sessions, OVR paid consumers' salaries.

Staffing

CIL involved a few staff members part-time to contribute to the training of the projects participants, including: the executive director, the consumers sales director, and two independent skills training specialists.

Outcomes

Of the four consumers entering the program, all were placed in employment positions at the ILC following their on-the-job training. Three consumers started full-time positions, and another worked part-time at 20 hours per week. Their median wage earned was $6.50 per hour. One consumer has moved out of the area, but the remaining three are still employed at Anthracite Region CIL and have retained their positions longer than one year.

Quality of Collaboration

The ILC reports a high degree of trust in OVR's commitment to the collaboration and perceives a complete fulfillment of OVR's responsibility to the collaboration. The agencies communicated through weekly phone calls, written monthly reports, and other correspondence on an as-needed basis. The agencies would be willing to participate in additional on-the-job training opportunities in the future.

For more information, contact:

Carol Duda
Consumer Services Director
Anthracite Region CIL
City Hall, 40 N. Church St.
Hazleton, PA 18201

Voice: (570) 455-9800
Fax: (570) 455-1731

Janell Shaffer-Yoder
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
1090 Commons Blvd.
Reading, PA 19605-3332

Voice: (610) 378-4370
Fax: (610) 378-4370
TTY: (610) 378-4433

Web Site: www.dli.state.pa.us

Vance Coover
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
665 Carey Avenue
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Voice: (570) 826-2011
Fax: (570) 826-2235
TTY: (570) 826-2023

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