Metro Denver Homeless
Initiative
Creating Vocational and
Employment Opportunities
for CoC Participants
Presented by the
MDHI Employment Subcommittee
Friday, April 24, 2015
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Ed Blair
Chief Operating Officer
Mile High United Way
Opening Comments
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Why This Information is
Important to You?
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Employment outcomes are key performance
measures for each project and the Continuum of
Care (CoC)
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HUD requires that 20% of clients exiting
Permanent Supportive Housing have income from
employment
Grantees encouraged to incorporate access to
vocational and employment services
Grantees can partner with existing employment
models
Project staff can teach participants valuable skills
which can lead to vocational activity and jobs
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Importance of Vocational and
Employment Activities for CoC
Participants
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Vocational activities
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are usually part of a complete recovery plan
include productive activity (education, volunteering, etc.)
Having employment and income are a key part of
personal independence
Employment services
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support participants to obtain mainstream resources
(permanent housing, public health, etc)
can lead to increased empowerment, personal
motivation, community involvement and economic
independence for participants
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
What does it mean to
vocationalize your
project?
Please turn to your neighbor
and discuss for 2 minutes
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Role of Grantee Staff in
Vocational Development
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Programs that are not “vocational programs” can build skills around the idea of
“purposeful activity.”
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Goal assessments engage clients in a process that they will be committed to seeing
through.
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Clients can benefit from consistent activity that keeps them engaged and motivated.
We have seen clients do this through volunteering, church activities, or community
service
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Help clients develop skills around cooperation, punctuality, communication and
consistency (punctuality for case management meetings, meal duties and daily chores)
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Skills translate to volunteering or other activities and eventually on to employment
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Many times we see clients that do not have regular purposeful activities decompensate
or resort to old negative habits because they have nothing encouraging to look forward
to
Role of Grantee Staff in
Vocational Development
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Staff Responsibilities:
Understand the importance of vocational and
employment activities as part of overall services plan
Work with individuals to actualize personal goals
Learn about and participate in available employment
services and activities in community
Create a “vocationalized service environment” in
which all services and activities are skill learning
opportunities
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
“Vocationalizing” your Service
Environment
“Vocationalizing” your service environment consists of:
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Making physical adaptations to your services site – visual
cues encouraging vocational activity
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Creating a vocational culture that emphasizes involvement
in productive activity and skill-building
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Facilitating an attitudinal shift amongst staff
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Gaining the support of upper management to create this
type of learning environment
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Vocational Assessment Tips and
Suggestions
• Vocational assessment looks at many assets
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Vocational assessment can be done during initial intake for
part of an overall recovery plan
Vocational assessments can be motivational
• Vocational assessments are longitudinal
• Vocational assessments can be done intermittently
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Assessment - Discussion
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How/when do you currently introduce the idea of
vocational activities and goals?
What kind of vocational assessment do you
currently use?
What kind of vocational assessment would you
like to use?
What behaviors and attitudes do you see that hold
participants back from pursuing and achieving
vocational/employment goals?
What vocational assessment information is
relevant while providing overall clinical and case
management services?
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
How Different Employment
Service Models Can Support Your
CoC Project
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Pre-employment and vocational services can be offered
in any service environment
Each model has unique characteristics
Partnerships with community employment and
vocational service providers enhance your overall
service network
Services can be provided at your CoC site
Services are part of a full integrated model
Having these services available leads to skill building
in other service areas
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Types of Employment Models
Rapid Job Placement
Denver Urban Ministries (DENum), Catholic
Charities/Samaritan House, Bayaud Enterprises/Back to Work
Social Enterprises with Rehab Support
Bridge House/Ready to Work and Community Table Kitchen,
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless/Stout Street Works
Long-Term Assessment, Job Matching Retention and Career
Planning
Bayaud/Denver’s Road to Work (DRW), Colorado Coalition for
the Homeless/Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, Urban
Peak
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Types of Employment Models
(cont)
Supportive Housing with On-Site Services
Volunteers of America/Irving Street Residence (Safe Haven);
Bayaud/Del Norte – Housing and Work Connection (HAWC); Bridge
House Transitional Housing for Ready to Work
Classroom Training/Placement
Catholic Charities/Samaritan House (program buys forklift training),
Urban Peak/Serve Safe and National Retail Training, CCH/HVRPFlagger Training
Workforce System/CBO Partnership
Denver Division of Workforce Development/Goodwill Enterprises,
Urban Peak/Summer Youth Program
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Core Elements of Employment
Models
Each model has some of these elements:
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“Wrap-around” services offered to each participant
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Serves various sub-populations of homeless people
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Focuses on cultivating employer relationships
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Emphasizes finding a good job match
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Offers supportive services to assist with job search and retention
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Partners with community-based resources
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Useful Questions when Helping
a Client to Choose an
Employment Service
 Currently, what’s the client’s main vocational priority?
(e.g., income, a meaningful activity or longer-term vocational pursuit)
 What are the eligibility criteria for employment services?
 What are other services available to the client through a vocational/employment
program?
(e.g., all employment services, supportive services, “wrap around services”)
 What is the duration of the services available to participant?
 How much job retention support is available?
 Does the employment program do an in-depth evaluation to help the client develop
realistic vocational goals?
 What is the referral process for a specific program or model?
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Employment Model - Rapid
Placement
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Priority is to assist a participant find paid employment
as quickly as possible
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Emphasis is on getting an income, more than finding a
good job match
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Often used at service sites where employment is
required of all participants within a short amount of
time
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Bayaud Enterprises –
Back to Work
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Rapid placement program for homeless individuals
Federal Definition used to define homelessness
Applicants schedule appointment, walk-in, or are referred
Assists participant to obtain job/income quickly
Intake includes benefits screening to determine participant’s needs
Eligibility criteria is to meet homeless definition - people with offender
histories and significant work barriers are welcome
Pre- and post-employment services available, including transportation
assistance and Computer Resource Center
Length of employment services and follow up services are determined
by the participant – staff and groups are available to all participants
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Denver Urban Ministries
4 Core Elements of Rapid Job Placement:
1. One-on-one case management and support
2. Current “now hiring” jobs list (available jobs pre-screened by DenUM
staff)
3. Job Readiness Training (JRT) on-site at DenUM
4. Career Workshops and follow-up calls.
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible for employment services as long as they are
sober while in the building
Services Offered Include: Case Management/Support 5 days a week,
computer lab, copy/fax/print, resume workshop, basic computer class, and
more
Length of Employment Services: Case managers can assist with job
leads; most clients obtain work within 2-weeks. Once enrolled you can visit
anytime within 2-years
Follow-up Services: Case Managers call clients for 30-day, 90-day, 6-month
and 1-year follow ups
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Catholic Charities –
Samaritan House
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120 day, bifurcated program
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During first 30 days, residents must take life skills classes and obtain full time
employment or have verifiable benefits
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In the next 90 days, the residents must save 80% of their income to be used
towards sustainable, adequate housing
Resident demographics include single males/females, families with children, people
obtaining respite services and veterans in the VAGPD program
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Services include use of 5 internet connected computers, various employment classes, help
with resume development, bus tickets, 1:1 mentorship/coaching/goal setting and
interview rehearsal
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Residents receive referrals to outside nonprofit and government agencies, including
schools, workforce centers, etc.
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The Employment Coordinator hosts in-house job events, information sessions and skills
training (ex. forklift training and flagger training) and the Retention Specialist offers
supportive services for up to one year after transitioning out of Samaritan House
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Employment Model – Social
Enterprise with Rehab Support
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Model is focused on working in an enterprise and
receiving job coaching and other support during
work experience
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The model offers real work experience at actual
job sites so that participants learn good work
attitudes and practices as well as specific skills
needed for the job
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The model gives participants a chance to learn
and grow while also earning an income
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
TRANSITIONAL EMPLOYMENT
INTAKE TO COMPLETION
ABOUT US:
Social Enterprise serving the City Of Boulder performing
supplemental sanitation, basic landscaping, trail
maintenance, and culinary training; include commissary
cooking, catering and entry level baking.
TARGET POPULATION:
Ready To Work aims to create a culture of opportunity
for Boulder County’s homeless and working poor.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Actively using Bridge House services
No Sexual Offense
SERVICES OFFERED:
Transitional Employment up to 29 hours a week
Case Management
Employment Classes
Life Skills Groups
Aftercare / Job Retention
•Recruitment is done in collaboration with local shelters/homeless programs, as well as walk-ins
•Clients are volunteers before becoming crew members
•Services include Job Readiness Classes, OJT through supervisors, Case Management, Work Uniform, Interview Clothing (donated), and Bus Passes
•Program accepts anyone, but triages those who are not eligible for other services
•Clients do a 2-4 week internship while in the program
•Job placement to permanent employment is also available
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless:
Vocational Services
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) Vocational
Services offers three (3) workforce programs: Walk-in
employment support, Stout Street Works, and the Homeless
Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)
Walk-in Employment Support serves CCH clients only
 Program accepts anyone who is referred by a CCH case manager
 Program serves participants with significant job barriers as well as
former offender backgrounds
 Walk-in referrals may receive assistance with resume development,
mock interviews, work readiness assessments, job retention
support, career advisement, and referrals to outside nonprofits and
government agencies/workforce centers
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless:
Stout Street Works
Stout Street Works serves single women and men who have
CCH case management support or who are enrolled the CCH’s
HVRP program
 Recruitment is done in collaboration with CCH case managers
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Program serves participants with significant job barriers as well as
offender backgrounds
Participants can be discharged from the program for failure to meet
program requirements, and non-compliance at work assignments
 On-call job assignments range from: building maintenance,
janitorial, administrative support, general labor and rental movers
 Job placement to permanent employment is also available for those
who qualify
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless:
Homeless Veterans Reintegration
Program: HVRP
To schedule an intake, qualified Veteran should call (303) 312-9835
CCH’s HVRP helps veterans who have served in all branches of the
United States military. To qualify for the program:
 The individual must be discharged or released from the US military under
conditions other than dishonorable, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (and
NOT on a lease) and seeking meaningful long-term employment
Participants are assigned an HVRP Case Manager who works in
collaboration with CCH’s Vocational Specialists and Job Developer.
Services Provided:
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Employment counseling, job search assistance, and vocational training
Job search resources such as computer, printer, fax, and phone
Medical and mental health care support, and substance abuse service referrals
Housing support referrals to Veteran Administration (VA) and to other non-profits
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Denver’s Road to Work (DRW)- Bayaud
Enterprises and Mental Health Center of
Denver (MHCD)
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Long-term assessment/job retention/career planning model
Strong relationships with diverse employers in the community
Target population—those with income below 125% of poverty
Participants recruited from sites that serve very low-income individuals with
multiple job barriers
Eligible candidates meet the income guidelines and are interested in being
part of a longer–term program
Initial intake and screening by a Benefits Navigator, a program intake,
assessment, and creation of an employment plan
All pre- and post- employment services are offered to all participants,
including follow-up for a year
Key element of the program is having multiple contacts with employers
Length of employment services are determined by the participant
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Employment Model -Supportive
Housing with On-Site Vocational
Services
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Supportive housing with vocational and employment services
available at housing site
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Participation in vocational and employment services is
strongly encouraged for all residents
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The environment is structured so that vocational and
employment services are an integral part of the services
model
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Housing and Work Connection
(HAWC)
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Supportive housing site with on-site employment services
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Eligibility criteria—individual has completed VISPDAT assessment and
referred through CAHPS
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Intakes done by staff once the participant has been accepted for housing
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Vocational and employment services offered as part of the integrated
services package at the HAWC
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Staff have philosophy that all services should build skills
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Someone can continue services at Bayaud if they leave the HAWC
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Residents can live at HAWC as long as they follow house rules
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Job retention and career-planning services are offered continuously while
someone is a resident at HAWC
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Vocationalizing Housing for
Veterans
Core elements – Education, collaboration and coordination of vocational,
employment and enhancement tools and services for veterans, VA staff and the
greater community
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Connect veterans to most appropriate services, collaborate with VA and non-VA
homeless programs and community partners; and educate and engage these
entities to seek and obtain the most suitable employment model according to the
veteran’s need and/or choice
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Designed for service to at-risk and/or homeless veterans, who qualify for VA
Homeless Programs
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An initial screening is conducted, used to determine and prioritize the most
effective resources to increase successful employment outcomes, and that
encourage work readiness, sustainability or growth
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The project is time unlimited guide to engage the veteran toward progressive and
purposeful activity
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
URBAN
URBAN PEAK
PEAK YOUTH
YOUTH HOUSING
HOUSING
Rowan Gardens:
• Youth with disabilities
• Ages 17 - 24
• 16 apartments
• Length of stay = usually
1-2 years
Community Housing/
Scattered Site Housing:
• Homeless or nearly
homeless youth
• Ages 18 and older
• Length of program =
transitional or permanent
housing options
Rocky Mountain Youth
Housing (RMYHP):
• Homeless or nearly
homeless youth
• Ages 16 - 21
• 36 studio apartments
• Length of stay = 18
months to 2 years
Starting Transitions and
Recovery (STAR):
• Youth with co-occurring
disorders
• Ages 18 - 24
• 16 apartments
• Length of program = 9
months to 18 months
Community Housing/Scattered Site
Housing:
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Stout Street Lofts
Road Home (RHHP)
Tenant Based Voucher (TBV)
Family Unification Voucher (FUP)
Youth Transitions Program (YTP)
Transitional Living Program (TLP)
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT
GED/High
School Diploma
(CYC) & Postsecondary study
help
Interpersonal (soft) Skills:
Communication,
Goal Setting,
Conflict Resolution,
Job Retention, Interviewing
Skills
Trainings:
Customer
Service
& ServSafe
Technical (hard) Skills:
Resume, Cover Letter,
References, Computer Skills,
Professional Portfolio
OPEN
CLASSROOM
CONCEPT
Job Development &
Retention:
Community Networking &
Relationship-Building
Job Readiness
Training,
WIA/WIOA,
& SYEP
Assessments:
Career Exploration, Career
Cluster Survey, and
Strengths Finder
Job Referrals
& Open Job
Search Hours
ServSafe Food Handler
Certification
The two-day training will offer participants:
 A free ServSafe Food Handler Certification
 A hands-on opportunity to practice ServSafe principles while preparing
breakfast at the Spot
 An updated resume with ServSafe listed on it
Who can attend?
 Current students or graduates of Job Readiness Training (JRT)
 Individuals engaged in Urban Peak services who are working in food
service or want to work in food service
Why attend?
 With ServSafe knowledge, employers recognize that you understand
proper food safety regulations
 Earning the Certification has helped former participants get promoted
National Retail Federation Foundation’s
Customer Service Training:
Do you want to start or further your career as a Customer Service
Professional?
Earning a nationally recognized Customer Service and Sales Certification
shows employers you have the customer service skills they want
employees to have.
Enhance your skills & knowledge in the following areas:
Aspects of the Retail Industry
Assessing Customers’ Needs
Professional Phone, E-mail, and Face-to-face Communication
Educating Customers
Sales Procedures and Techniques
How to “sell” your certification to employers
And much more!
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Goodwill Industries of Denver
Goodwill Industries, Denver
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Serves more than 4,100 adults annually
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Provides employment support and services to assist participants in moving
beyond a job to developing a career path
ReHire Colorado
Week long “Genesis; Pre-employment, Work-readiness Training”
Work with participants for placement into a subsidized transitional job or direct
hire opportunities at one of our business partners
On-going supportive services and participant retention incentives at 30 days, 90
days, and 6 months
Candidates need to have a family income below 150% of the federal poverty level,
be un- or under employed, be a Colorado resident, and fit into one of the
following categories: over 50, Veteran, non-custodial parent, TANF recipient, or
SNAP recipient
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Career Connection Centers
8 Goodwill Career Connection Centers throughout Metro-Denver and
Northern Colorado.
Provide Assistance:
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Resume assistance
Job search skills training
Computer skills training
Access to computers, internet, faxes, and other office equipment
Application assistance
Dress for success seminars
Mock interviews
Open to all adults over the age of 18.
All programs are FREE to participants. Participants need to bring
proof of age to Orientation (offered 5 days a week) to register.
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Non-profits Providing Employment
Opportunities
The Peer Navigator Project helps individuals who are chronically homeless connect
with support services and housing
MDHI currently partners with providers in Boulder and Denver counties:
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Bridge House
Our Center
St. Francis Center
The Gathering Place/Catholic Charities Women’s Emergency Shelter
Urban Peak
Volunteers of America
Peer Navigators
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Are formerly homeless individuals who have successfully overcome barriers and
transitioned into housing
Connect with clients who may not be comfortable engaging in services
Build capacity within their organization
Integrate with the Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement System (CAHPS)
Elevate the client voice
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
VOC Rehab
Denver Metro Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
“Committed to helping our employer partners find candidates who are skilled, loyal, and committed to your success. Even after placement, employers
and employees get ongoing support from DVR's professional staff, including job training, guidance on the ADA regulations, and information on disability
and employment guidelines. We can also help with financial incentives and facilitation of tax credits.”
2211 W Evans 80223| 303-866-2500
Employment First – Food Assistance (SNAP) recipients
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-SelfSuff/CBON/1251581773899
Child Support Services – Promoting Responsible Fatherhood
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-SelfSuff/CBON/1251579251222
http://www.coloradodads.com
Veterans Services
http://www.colorado.gov
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Workforce System
Workforce Services/Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
http://www.connectingcolorado.com
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDLE-Main/CDLE/1240336821467
https://e-colorado.coworkforce.com
PEAK Applications – eligibility information/application for multiple
programs
http://coloradopeak.force.com
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-ChildYouthFam/CBON/1251583639415
Colorado Works – TANF Recipients
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-ColoradoWorks/CCW/1194261855486
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Workforce System
Visit
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/wfc
to seethe complete list of Workforce sites.
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Strategies to Vocationalize your
Project to Increase Employment
Skills
Staff can incorporate the following to promote employment success
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Appointments = punctuation / attendance / follow-through
Living with others = teamwork skills
Staff and peer interactions = communication skills
Implementing a case plan = multi-tasking
Adapting to life changes = time management / prioritizing
Personal development = performance improvement
Goal setting = contributing team member
Employers seek individuals who are confident, flexible, have a positive
self image, a sense of belonging and desire to contribute.
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Questions and Answers,
Discussion
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Next Steps
Complete evaluation
If interested request CoC technical
assistance via www.mdhi.org (to be
posted)
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants
Thank you!
Rebecca Mayer, rebecca.mayer@mdhi.org
Amanda Trujillo, amanda.trujillo@mdhi.org
*Keep up with the Employment Committee on MDHI.org/Employment
Creating Vocational and Employment Opportunities for
Continuum of Care (CoC) Participants