Overview
An integral part of Bissell’s multi-service agency has been the operation of a successful and comprehensive Employment Services program for the past 30 years for Albertans experiencing multiple and often complex barriers to full inclusion. As our organization has continually adapted to meet the needs of the community, we have recognized a gap in employment support services in the Edmonton area that we anticipate will be lessened through the implementation of our Workforce Development program.
The Workforce Development program supports community members in the Edmonton area and northern Alberta experiencing multiple barriers to finding and maintaining gainful employment. It accomplishes this through the deployment of extensive multidisciplinary wrap-around supports as participants progress through a multiphase training program.
Extensive Supports
Alongside the case manager roles held by Employment Support Workers, these extensive supports include the addition of specialized support roles; Employment Support Worker Housing Navigator, Cultural Support Worker, Recovery Coach, Disability Employment Advocate, Job Placement Specialist and Occupational Therapist. Through comprehensive supports and an in-depth curriculum of Employment Development, Work Exposure and Work Maintenance this project will lead to increased sustainability in employment and labour market attachment for Albertans facing barriers.
Client Journey
The Workforce Development program is comprised of 3 separate intake processes (universal intake, interview, and orientation) and 3 distinct program phases (skill development, work exposure, and work maintenance). Once participants successfully complete the 3 intake processes before being officially accepted into the program and are required to successfully complete the 3 service categories before graduating through the program.
They will complete the skill development phase of the program over a 14-week period. Once completed, Clients will progress to the Work Experience and Work Maintenance phases of the program as they are completed concurrently over a 12-week period. Upon their completion of the program, Clients will continue to have access to support staff and resources as they seek out long-term employment.
Program Phases
Skill Development (14 weeks)
Participants will have the opportunity to progress through a multidisciplinary curriculum consisting of workshops, seminars, lectures, activities, one-on-one sessions and exposure courses. Through this curriculum, participants will learn and develop life skills and pre-employment skills that facilitate the removal of barriers and are essential to sustainable self-sufficiency. The curriculum consists of both permanent and modular components. The permanent components will address the skills universally required to meet the conditions for maintaining long-term employment, and the modular components allow for supports to be tailored to address the specific needs of participants. While participating in the Skill Development phase of the program, participants will receive a daily living allowance.
Work Exposure (12 weeks)
Each participant will be placed into a Work Exposure placement to experience working for an employer while being supported by Bissell Centre. The WE will serve as a platform to further develop work habits and ethics, adherence to employer expectations, supervision and safety standards. WE placements will take into consideration the participants’ personal preferences, home geographic location, role, environment, the match between participant ability and company needs, potential salary and likelihood for hiring upon completion of the WE.
Work Maintenance (8 weeks)
Participants will be provided with support for up to a maximum of 8 weeks after placement into employment. This support and ongoing assistance will be provided by periodic check-ins with the employer and the participant, individual coaching, additional training sessions if needed and one-on-one support. If any questions or concerns surface during the participants’ transition into maintaining employment, help and guidance will be available through a phone call, email or onsite visits.
Objectives
The Workforce Development Program has three primary objectives that it is designed to achieve:
- To support Albertans to participate in their communities through employment
- Helping Albertans reach their individual potential
- Ensuring Albertans are stable and safe
Complementary:
- Ensuring Albertans have timely and consistent access to support to meet their basic needs
- Fostering resiliency in Albertans facing multiple barriers in their lives
- Supporting Albertans with disabilities to participate in the community and find employment opportunities
- Supporting First Nations and other indigenous peoples with disabilities to find employment and opportunities to participate in the community