1023-9           EXAMPLE SCENARIOS - DISCOVERY REFERRAL CONSIDERATION

The following are example scenarios that differentiate a client who would benefit from Discovery, versus a client who may pursue other employment options.

Example 1 – Competitive Work Search vs. Discovery  

When a client’s work history is strong, and they have managed stressors or complexities in their life, the client may be determined ready for pursuing the Traditional Labor Market or a competitive work search.

Example of readiness for competitive work search:

Laura’s children were in DHSS custody for a period of 6 months due to a history of family violence and alcohol abuse. Her children were returned to her care and she applied for ATAP. When the children came home, Laura needed support to coordinate services required to maintain custody of her children including parenting classes, sobriety counseling, individual and family counseling to address transition issues and family violence recovery.

Laura was assigned to the FFWS track. Her FST consisted of her CM, a friend, her parenting class instructor, OCS social worker, substance abuse counselor, adult/family therapist and shelter advocate. Her FST met for a period of 3 months and determined that Laura had progressed with her counseling, completed the parenting classes successfully and the children had been stabilized at home.

Laura’s FST also acknowledged that while she continued to need follow-up counseling and sobriety support she was ready to look at her employment options.  Laura had a strong work history and she was available to work a typical daytime work schedule.  Based on the information noted by Laura’s FST, she was a good candidate for a traditional labor market work search

Example 2 – Supported Employment vs. Discovery

If a client shows a strong work history, clear interests yet has some challenges to maintaining employment, potentially only minimal support is needed for them to enter the workforce. The client may need additional assistance or training, such as a supported employment options, including a Community or Business Work Experience (C/BWE), On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Job Start.

Example of readiness for employment using a C/BWE, OJT or a Job Start:

Maggie suffered a medical condition that caused chronic fatigue. She was also diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by her mental health provider due to a history of child abuse. Maggie had previously worked, yet her medical and mental health issues interfered with her ability to retain employment.

After a few months of unemployment, Maggie applied for ATAP and was assigned to the FFWS track. Maggie’s FST consisted of her CM, her mother, doctor, psychiatrist and her mental health therapist. The FST met for a period of 6 months and determined that Maggie’s fatigue was managed through a regular sleep and activity routine, as well as medications. In addition, she demonstrated positive coping skills and decreased anxiety. Maggie demonstrated a very strong work history using skills in inventory control and purchasing/receiving.  She frequently expressed fear and frustration with her work search. Follow-up with potential employers after interviews revealed that Maggie had difficulty describing her skills and representing herself during an interview.  

Based on the improvements noted by the FST and the identification of Maggie’s challenges in her work search effort, the team determined that her job skills, interests and challenges were clear. They subsequently noted that she would benefit from a Community or Business Work Experience. Lastly, the FST identified that a Job Developer may be able to assist her in practicing her job skills and represent Maggie to potential employers including addressing subsidy options. The FST noted that Maggie would need continued support during the job development phase of her work search and post-hire due to the necessity of monitoring her medical and mental health status.

Example 3 – Discovery

If the client has a relatively weak work history, and his/her skills and interests are not readily apparent, the FST may recommend consideration for Discovery. Discovery may lead the client to a negotiated job, or they may be able to pursue other employment options (a, b).

Example of readiness for Discovery:

Hector was a single father of 3 children. His youngest son was diagnosed with Autism, and his eldest daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability and Conduct Disorder. Hector completed high school with a special education diploma. His work history showed many gaps due to the health and disability issues of his children. His previous work experiences were primarily in stocking shelves at retail stores and grocery shopping centers. Hector needed support to juggle the demands of appointments related to his children’s issues.

Hector was assigned to the FFWS track. His FST consisted of the CM, his brother, a special education teacher, a training specialist, occupational therapist, special education advocate, child therapist and family therapist. His FST met for a period of 1 year. At that point, the FST had assisted Hector to obtain school supports for his son, including a full time aide and a full range of developmental services, afterschool support through a training specialist, and regular counseling for his daughter and family. The FST determined that Hector was able to carry out a fairly regular routine, including regularly occurring appointments every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mid-afternoon. They additionally identified that Hector had an interest in building and carpentry.

Based on the supports available to Hector and the regularity of his schedule the FST determined that he would benefit most from Discovery in order to learn more about his work interests and skills. In addition, they determined Hector would likely need a negotiated job due to his appointment requirements, occasional unscheduled appointments, and his history of special education.