1027-11         APPROACHING THE AGREEMENT TO HIRE

Arrange the meeting between the job seeker and employer:

Introducing the job seeker to the potential employer is unique to each negotiation situation. At times, it may be appropriate to introduce the job seeker early in the process. For some it is recommended that the JD Job Developer wait until the employer is nearly certain that a hire will be the outcome. Consider the following:

Reinforce job negotiation is a process that involves the JD acting as a representative of the job seeker.

Emphasize to the potential employer that any meeting with the job seeker not be considered an “interview.”

Prepare for hiring:

The hiring agreement stage is a point during which the employer and JD Job Developer are in agreement to prepare for and pursue hiring, yet continue to negotiate the job description, a training plan, pay and work hours. There is always potential for the employer or, for that matter, the job seeker, to decline the hiring agreement.

Note: 

Document the information regarding an agreement to hire on the Negotiated Job Agreement form (see Negotiated Job Agreement form and sample).

Development of the job description:

The JD Job Developer continues the negotiation process through the development of a job description. Both the JD and employer must be in agreement as to the identified tasks, percentage of time spent with specific tasks, and the written description of agreed upon tasks (see Negotiated Job Description sample).

Create a training plan unique to the job seeker:

Not all negotiated positions will require formal training; however most will require training typical to any new hire. The JD may offer assistance in creating a training plan (see Negotiated Training Plan sample) and the employer may decline the offer. In addition to employment site training, the JD can offer the job seeker assistance in seeking formal training (e.g. technical schooling, college) should the job require it.

Negotiate a fair wage:

The JD Job Developer can offer to assist the employer to identify a fair hourly wage for the negotiated position. Consulting the DOL Department of Labor representative about wages in the job field can be helpful to start the process of wage negotiation. Consider the following:

• The job seeker must earn no less than minimum wage

• It is acceptable to determine a wage lower than other employees with similar jobs/tasks as long as assigned tasks require significant training of the job seeker. In such cases, an agreement should be made that the wage will increase, once training is complete and the job seeker demonstrates task competency equal to his/her peers

• It is important to contact the ET Eligibility Technician of DPA Division of Public Assistance to determine an estimate of how a proposed monthly wage will affect the job seeker’s current benefits. It is advised to target a wage that will not cause the job seeker to lose necessary benefits, unless those benefits are offered by the employer.

Determine a work schedule:

The JD Job Developer must consult the job seeker’s list of employment conditions to come to agreement with the employer on a work schedule. He/she must develop a letter that is attached to the job description that outlines all conditions including a work schedule.