1027-4           LEARNING ABOUT EMPLOYERS IDENTIFIED AT THE EPM

1027-4 A.       RESEARCH EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS AND SPECIFIC BUSINESSES:

The JD Job Developer uses the Employment Plan developed during the EPM Employment Planning Meeting to begin the process of selecting employment opportunities. The identified potential businesses are researched through various means to prepare for job negotiation.

1027-4 B.       LEARN ABOUT THE INDUSTRY:

The first step of the JD Job Developer is to learn as much as possible about a specific industry or field, such as the food industry or health field.  In researching industries the JD looks at the tasks performed within the industry and specific abilities required. In addition, the JD must become familiar with terminology associated with the identified field.

1027-4 C.      LEARN ABOUT SPECIFIC BUSINESSES:  

In addition to learning about employment settings, the JD Job Developer must research specific businesses to the greatest degree possible. To learn about specific businesses or organizations, the JD needs to consider the following:

1.     Number of employees and size of organization/business

2.     History of business (new or established)

3.     General work environment

4.     Traditional job position descriptions

5.     Hiring practice

6.     Potential of organization to do temporary hire/unpaid work experiences that lead to hire

7.     Work site culture

8.     Organizational structure

9.     Supervisory style

10.  Flexibility of work performed

1027-4 D.       RESEARCH TECHNIQUES:  

The JD Job Developer has several options for researching industries and specific businesses or organizations, including:

1.     Browse the internet or look into educational programs at colleges and universities. Educational programs identify tasks and skills related to jobs.

2.     Speak to an individual who has familiarity with the identified employment field or industry.

3.     Attend community meetings to obtain information specific to local businesses, organizations and their needs within the community (i.e., interagency meetings, Chamber of Commerce).

4.     Consult with Job Center or community partners with industry specific knowledge and contacts.

5.     Reference the Employment Plan to identify the connections of the FST Family Support Team members to identified employment sites or employers. If a team member has a connection, he/she may be willing to share information about the industry or the employer with the JD Job Developer during this stage of researching.

6.     Refer to www.onetonline.org (O-Net online) for industry information. This resource may increase employment opportunities that might not otherwise be considered.

Note:

Document industry research and initiation of NJD Negotiated Job Development: The JD will record a plan for initiating job development; including the research (see steps in the NJD Plan form and sample).