Action | Money Follows the Person |
Stage | Fast-Track |
Comment Period | Ended on 4/2/2008 |
Goodwill of
Providing Supported Employment services requires an extensive skill set.
Because the desired outcomes are employment and job retention it is essential that those providing supported employment have job development and training skills and experience as well as access to community employers and other employment resources. Gaining access to community employers can at times be difficult for trained, seasoned professionals. Individuals lacking the experience and most importantly connections with the business sector would struggle to achieve employment outcomes that are based on consumer needs, abilities, desires and preferences. Secondly, a Supported Employment professional must have excellent communication and negotiation skills as well as the ability to quickly develop rapport with an array of human services professionals, employers and other persons connected to the person receiving the service. Finally, the Supported Employment professional must remain current regarding community labor trends and best practices in the field.
For the reasons stated above, it is our opinion that the proposed minimum requirements, i.e. Basic English, high school diploma, negative TB Test, etc. will have a negative impact on the quality of services delivered to waiver consumers. The Supported Employment Program has operated successfully in
Sharon B. Taylor
Vice President of Education & Training
Goodwill of
Email Address: sbtaylor@goodwillcva.org.