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COPYRIGHT 2011, 2012(rev.). The Work Readiness Competency Guide is copyrighted and is available for use by the organizations listed above. Other organizations are invited to use the guide for its intended purpose. The contents should not be altered without prior permission from Greenville Works.

Work Readiness Competency Guide

Greenville, South Carolina 2011 (revised 2012)

This guide was developed in collaboration with the following organizations: AARP Foundation WorkSearch

Goodwill Industries of the Upstate / Midlands

Greenville Chamber

Greenville County Library System

Greenville/Pickens Department of Social Services

Greenville Society for Human Resource Management

Greenville Literacy Association

Greenville Technical College

Greenville County Workforce Development

Greenville County Schools Lifelong Learning

Greenville Works

SHARE, Inc.

Greenville Department of Mental Health

SC Vocational Rehabilitation

Triune Mercy Center

United Ministries

United Way of Greenville County

PO BOX 5616, Mail Stop 5011 864-250-6715

www.greenvilleworks.com

http://www.greenvilleworks.com/

Copyright 2011, 2012 (rev.) 2

Table of Contents

I. Preface ................................................................................................................. 4

II. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 5

III. Work Readiness Competencies Diagram ................................................................ 6

IV. Reinforcing Personal Effectiveness throughout Interactions with Participants ....... 7

V. How to Use This Guide .......................................................................................... 8

Work Readiness Competency Chart

VI. Employment Search .............................................................................................. 9

A. Communication Skills (Requesting & Receiving Assistance) ........................... 10

B. Career Interest & Skills .................................................................................... 10

C. Job Applications .............................................................................................. 10

D. Resumes .......................................................................................................... 11

E. Job Search Letters ........................................................................................... 11

F. Networking ...................................................................................................... 11

G. Etiquette / Appearance ................................................................................... 12

H. Interviewing .................................................................................................... 12

I. Negotiating / Accepting Employment ............................................................. 13

J. Online Job Search ............................................................................................ 13

VII. Basic Academic & Computer Skills ....................................................................... 14

A. Applied Mathematics ...................................................................................... 15

B. Locating Information ...................................................................................... 15

C. Reading for Information .................................................................................. 15

D. Writing ............................................................................................................ 16

E. English Language ............................................................................................ 17

F. Computer Literacy ........................................................................................... 17

VIII. Employment Barriers ......................................................................................... 19

A. Criminal Background ....................................................................................... 20

B. Health – Physical, Mental, Personal Hygiene ................................................. 21

C. Housing, Bills, Food, Clothing .......................................................................... 21


D. Domestic Abuse ............................................................................................... 22

E. Substance Abuse ............................................................................................. 22

F. Transportation ................................................................................................ 23

G. Childcare ......................................................................................................... 23

H. Child Support ................................................................................................... 24

I. Age-related Issues ........................................................................................... 24

J. Long-term Unemployment .............................................................................. 24

K. Licensing Exams .............................................................................................. 25

IX. Self Management / Life Management ................................................................. 26

A. Financial Management ................................................................................... 27

B. Conflict Management / Stress Management ................................................. 28

C. Time Management .......................................................................................... 28

D. Family / Parenting ........................................................................................... 29

E. Self-Esteem ...................................................................................................... 29

X. Personal Effectiveness .......................................................................................... 30

A. Dependability & Reliability .............................................................................. 31

B. Initiative .......................................................................................................... 31

C. Integrity ........................................................................................................... 32

D. Professionalism ............................................................................................... 32

E. Interpersonal Skills .......................................................................................... 32

F. Adaptability & Flexibility ................................................................................. 32

G. Planning & Organizing .................................................................................... 33

H. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving ................................................................ 33

I. Willingness to Learn / Lifelong Learning ......................................................... 33

XI. Worksheets

A. Organizational Evaluation .............................................................................. 34

B. Participant Self Assessment ............................................................................ 35

C. Participant Take-away Recommendations – Give to Participant ................... 36

D. Workforce Professional Case Notes ................................................................ 38


I. Preface

The Work Readiness Guide was created by multiple organizations in and around Greenville County, South Carolina that have a strong interest in the subject of work readiness. Many of these organizations have decades of experience assisting job seekers in preparing for productive employment. Others represent employers’ knowledge regarding skills and behaviors needed in the workplace. Despite these organizations’ collective wealth of knowledge on various aspects of work readiness, there existed no common, shared understanding of its components tailored to the area’s employment environment. By coming together to create this guide, participating organizations fostered dialogue around work readiness and gained a more thorough understanding of its components. The resulting guide represents a core set of work readiness competencies. We hope organizations that use this guide find that it helps their staff view work readiness from a deeper, more complete perspective, and that it increases their levels of service when working with participants (including clients, trainees, employees, etc.). Ultimately, our goal was to develop a practical tool to help bridge the gap between the work readiness needs of employers and the work readiness skills of participants. Specifically, organizations may use this guide to:

1) Introduce and/or reinforce the many components of work readiness with case managers, career coaches, employment service staff, human resource staff, training / instructional staff, and other career development and workforce development staff.

2) Compare one’s own organizational work readiness program offerings to the components listed in the guide. Organizations may decide to adjust their program offerings as a result.

3) As a checklist when working with participants to ensure a variety of work readiness components are discussed, addressed, and/or achieved in a time frame that is consistent with participant needs.

4) Make referrals and partnerships with other organizations that can assist participants with one or more work readiness component. For a list of organizations, call 2-1-1 or go to www.unitedwaygc.org/get_help.php to access their Community Resource Guide.

This guide is intended for the above uses only and is not intended for use as a participant selection tool for training programs, employment programs, or any other program or hiring decision. Competencies listed in the guide may or may not apply to all participants and should be considered based on individual participants’ needs, which may shift over time. Much expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit was contributed to the development of this guide. Thank you to all participating organizations for their collective efforts. We welcome changes and suggestions to this guide by contacting [email protected].

http://www.unitedwaygc.org/get_help.php

mailto:[email protected]


II. Introduction

In February, 2011, Greenville Works invited professional leaders from the education, workforce

development, and employer community to assemble and/or provide input on a core set of work

readiness competencies. Together, representatives from 17 organizations agreed to:

1) Identify the core set of work readiness competencies that are critical to the Greenville, South Carolina community;

2) Identify indicators of successful attainment of these competencies;

3) Assemble a list of local organizations that provide training in these competencies*;

4) Receive employer input and adapt the competencies accordingly; and

5) Make the work readiness competencies available in a guide format to workforce and training professionals, employers, and volunteers from public, private, non-profit, faith-based, and volunteer organizations.

The group used a previous version of the Work Readiness Diagram found on page 6 as a foundation for discussion. After eight months of work, this process was completed in September, 2011. The Work Readiness Competency Guide is the result.

* During the course of guide development, the contributors felt that creation of a comprehensive list of service-providing organizations would duplicate the efforts of the United Way of Greenville County’s Community Resource Guide and 2-1-1 telephone referral service. The Community Resource Guide is an extensive, up-to-date listing of organizations that provide a wide variety of types of assistance to the South Carolina community. The Community Resource Guide is accessible online and as a PDF file at www.unitedwaygc.org/get_help.php. An Spanish language version of the Community Resource Guide is also available at this site. For referrals over the telephone, simply dial 2-1-1.

http://www.unitedwaygc.org/get_help.php


III. Work Readiness Competencies Diagram

Workplace

Technical Skills

Workplace

Non-technical

Skills

Personal

Effectiveness

Skills

Self Management/

Life Management

Basic Academic -

To 8th Grade

Computer Skills

Basic Academic -

GED Preparation

Employment

Barriers

Hard

Skills

Employment

Search Skills

Basic Skills

Workplace Related Skills

Soft

Skills


IV. Reinforcing Personal Effectiveness and Workplace Non-technical Skills throughout Interactions with Participants

Most employers look for a mix of education, training, technical skills, and experience in

applicants during the hiring process. While most employers agree that the “hard skills”

mentioned above are fundamental to an employee’s ability to perform well on the job,

personal effectiveness skills or “soft skills” are also critical components of work readiness.

Inappropriate attire, an unprofessional choice of words, negative body language, or poor cell

phone etiquette in an interview can prevent a candidate with a top-notch resume and career

credentials from being hired. In the same way, failure to create a back-up plan for unexpected

transportation or childcare problems, an inability to deal professionally with coworkers, or a

lack of initiative in the workplace can cause an otherwise skillful employee to lose his/her job.

The personal effectiveness skills identified in this guide are as follows:

Dependability & Reliability

Initiative

Integrity

Professionalism

Interpersonal Skills

Adaptability & Flexibility

Planning & Organization

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Willingness to Learn, Lifelong Learning

Personal effectiveness skills often overlap with other work readiness competencies. For

example, it is impossible for a job applicant to indicate that he/she can meet and maintain

certain standards of etiquette and appearance without displaying professionalism. In addition,

one cannot arrange for childcare and then arrive on-time for an interview without using

planning and organization skills. Individuals begin to learn and develop personal effectiveness

skills at an early age. Several factors such as home life, quality of formal and informal

education, activities, and interactions with others impact each individual’s mastery of personal

effectiveness skills. While many job seekers understand these skills and use them during the

job search process and on the job after hire, others experience deficits in applying personal

effectiveness skills in their work and home lives.

Workforce professionals and volunteers seek to reinforce the necessity and value of personal

effectiveness skills when assisting participants with job search and retention activities. Yet,

these skills are not easily taught or absorbed in a few meetings or workshops. Individuals must

be motivated to change their own approach to personal effectiveness skills and willing to invest

in the personal development, time, and effort required. By becoming familiar with the personal

effectiveness skills employers value, workforce professionals and volunteers can do much to

guide and support individuals as they work to increase their skill levels over the long-term.


V. How to Use This Guide

Competencies, Outcomes and Indicators

The term competency is used to describe sets of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that constitute work readiness. In this guide, work readiness competencies are grouped together into broad categories such as Employment Search Competencies, Basic Academic & Computer Skills Competencies, Employment Barriers, and Self Management / Life Management Competencies. Each broad category is further divided into a set of specific competencies. Outcomes are listed under each specific competency to illustrate its application. Ideally, participants achieve outcomes as a means to build upon their skill in each corresponding competency. Indicators serve as evidence that the outcome has been achieved. The indicators listed in this guide are merely suggestions and are not meant to be all-inclusive. Indicators may differ per customer or per organization. Space was created for staff to include other possible indicators. Personal Effectiveness Skills The far right column displays the Personal Effectiveness Skills (commonly referred to as Soft Skills) that may be applied by participants as they strive to achieve each outcome. Personal Effectiveness Skills are abbreviated as follows:

- Dependability, Reliability (Dependability)

- Initiative (Initiative)

- Integrity (Integrity)

- Professionalism (Professional)

- Interpersonal Skills (Interpersonal)

- Adaptability, Flexibility (Adapt/Flex)

- Planning, Organization (Planning/Org)

- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving (Critical

Thinking)

- Willing to Learn, Lifelong Learning (LL Learning)

To Use This Guide: Read through the guide. After reviewing its contents, turn to page 10. Use the check boxes shown in the far left column to indicate: 1) Whether your organization prepares participants for the listed outcomes and competencies.

a. If yes, add other indicators that demonstrate participant progress. b. If no, consider potential referrals to other organizations that address those

outcomes and competencies. 2) Whether each individual participant is progressing in work readiness competencies through

outcome achievement. When working with individual participants, reinforce areas of accomplishment and focus efforts on areas that need improvement. Make appropriate referrals to assist participants in addressing the full set of work readiness competencies.

3) Use the Worksheets (pgs. 33-39) to enhance your use of this guide.



VI. Employment Search Competencies ........... 9 A. Communication Skills (Requesting & Receiving Assistance) .. 10

B. Career Interest & Skills .................................................... 10

C. Job Applications .............................................................. 10

D. Resumes .......................................................................... 11

E. Job Search Letters ........................................................... 11

F. Networking ..................................................................... 11

G. Etiquette / Appearance ................................................... 12

H. Interviewing .................................................................... 12

I. Negotiating / Accepting Employment ............................. 13

J. Online Job Search ............................................................ 13

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VI. Employment Search Competencies

Competency A: Communication Skills (Requesting & Receiving Assistance)

Outcome 1: Customer requests assistance

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Number of inquiries 2. Completed intake form 3. _______________________________ 4. _______________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative LL Learning Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: Customer follows through appropriately

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Number of repeat appointments 2. ______________________________ 3. ______________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative Planning/Org

Competency B: Career Interest & Skills

Outcome 1: Realistic understanding of skills, interests, and potential career pathways

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Completed career interest inventory 2. Completed existing skills / transferable skills assessment 3. Completed individual career plan with daily schedule of job search activities, daily goals 4. Visits / reads industry and career information research websites 5. Number of companies researched 6. Number of education or training providers researched 7. Researched apprenticeship, on-the-job training, company sponsored training options 8. _____________________________________ 9. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency C: Job Applications

Outcome 1: Effectively uses hard-copy and electronic application process (understands how to answer questions, online formats, kiosks, finding online applications, copying/pasting into online forms, etc.)

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Completed good quality hard-copy job application form 2. Completed electronic job application(s) 3. _______________________________ 4. _______________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional LL Learning

Outcome 2: Understand appropriate follow up after submitting job application (hard-copy or online)

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Wrote / sent thank you note 2. Follow up phone conversation, email, etc. 3. job search activity checklist 4. _______________________________ 5. _______________________________

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Competency D: Resumes

Outcome 1: Effectively develops / uses hard-copy and electronic resumes

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Completed good quality hard-copy job specific resume(s) 2. Resume reviewed by knowledgeable source 3. _______________________________ 4. _______________________________


Outcome 2: Ability to properly ask for references / letters of recommendation

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Three references with contact information written down 2. _______________________________ 3. _______________________________

Personal Eff. Professional Interpersonal Planning/Org

Competency E: Job Search Letters

Outcome 1: Effectively develops / uses job search letters

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Completed hard-copy job specific cover letter(s) 2. Completed electronic self-introduction paragraph to email with resume 3. Completed thank you note (hard-copy and electronic) 4. Receipt of Reference letter(s) 5. _____________________________________ 6. _____________________________________


Competency F: Networking

Outcome 1: Understands value of networking and applies networking methods in job search

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Contact list of personal network; records

networking activity 2. Records networking outreach, activity,

follow up on daily job search schedule 3. Number of informational interviews 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional Interpersonal Planning/Org

Competency G: Etiquette / Appearance

Outcome 1: Understands personal responsibility for self-marketing

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Observation by job coach/case manager/staff 2. _____________________________________ 3. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative

Outcome 2: Displays courtesy for others / good manners / common sense

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Observation by job coach/case manager/staff 2. _____________________________________ 3. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Professional Interpersonal

Outcome 3: Adapts to and maintains employer standards of dress, grooming, accessories (including tattoos,

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Personal appearance is appropriate for appointments 2. Personal appearance is appropriate for job

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piercings, cologne, etc.) prior to employment and once employed

interview 3. _____________________________________ 4. _____________________________________

Outcome 4: Maintains professional electronic appearance (Social Media, Voice Mail, Email Address, etc.)

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Professional voice mail message and on-

hold music 2. Professional email address 3. Professional presentation of self on social

media 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________


Competency H: Interviewing

Outcome 1: Understands employer expectations of punctuality, voice tone, behavior before/during/after interview

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Read interview skills handout, answered follow up questions 2. Attended interview workshop 3. _____________________________________ 4. _____________________________________


Outcome 2: Engages in employer research, position research prior to interview

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Conducted Internet-based or other research on company 2. Appropriate questions asked during mock interview 3. Appropriate questions prepared for actual interview 4. _____________________________________ 5. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional Interpersonal Planning/Org

Outcome 3: Familiar with common interview questions; recognizes & responds to behavioral interview questions; prepared to handle illegal or inappropriate questions; prepared to answer questions about potential employment barriers; prepared to ask relevant questions. Familiar with interview types & styles.

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Read interview skills handout, answered follow up questions 2. Attended interview workshop 3. Participated in mock interview 4. records interviews on daily job search schedule 5. _____________________________________ 6. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative Professional Interpersonal Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 4: Plans for transportation, directions, arrives at interview 10 to 15 minutes early. Has back-up transportation plan.

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Discussed with case manager / counselor, put plan in place 2. _____________________________________ 3. _____________________________________


Outcome 5: Follows through appropriately (thank you note, assessments, etc.)

Possible Outcome 5 Indicators: 1. Thank you note sent 2. Follow up meetings attended, phone calls made, emails sent, etc. 3. Records follow up activities on daily job

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search schedule 4. _____________________________________ 5. _____________________________________

Competency I: Negotiating / Accepting Employment

Outcome 1: Able to locate salary range for the position / the industry and career advancement pathway

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Used resources (Internet salary survey, ONET info, recruiter, etc.) to find salary and career path info 2. Has relevant salary information 3. Has relevant career pathway information 4. _____________________________________ 5. _____________________________________


Outcome 2: Ability to positively negotiate start date, salary

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Job offer 2. Job acceptance 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


Outcome 3: Issues such as transportation, child care addressed prior to start date

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Discussed with case manager / counselor,

put plans in place 2. Arrives at appropriate time and ready to

work / stays on the job 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Professional Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency J: Online Job Search

Outcome 1: Uses appropriate career websites for desired career

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Website addresses used 2. Has relevant salary information 3. Has relevant career pathway information 4. _____________________________________ 5. _____________________________________


Outcome 2: Locates employer information / labor market data / career information on the Internet on own

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Visits industry and career information research websites 2. Number of companies researched 3. _____________________________________ 4. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Critical Thinking

Outcome 3: Competent in applying for jobs online

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Inputs resume or job application information into online applications 2. Inputs resume or job application information into appropriate resume banks 3. Balanced use of time conducting online job search and other job search activity; stays on task when online job searching 4. Record of jobs applied for, date, next steps 5. _____________________________________ 6. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional LL Learning Planning/Org

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VII. Basic Academic & Computer Skills 14 A. Applied Mathematics ...................................................... 15

B. Locating Information ...................................................... 15

C. Reading for Information ................................................. 15

D. Writing ............................................................................ 16

E. English Language ............................................................ 17

F. Computer Literacy ........................................................... 17

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VII. Basic Academic and Computer Skills

Competency A: Applied Mathematics

Outcome 1: Solves problems that require a single type of mathematics operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) using whole numbers

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators:

1. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher

2. GED or High School Diploma

3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. LL Learning Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: Adds or subtracts negative numbers




3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________


Outcome 3: Changes numbers from one form to another using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentages




3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________


Outcome 4: Converts simple money, time units (hours to minutes, etc.)




3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________


Competency B: Locating Information

Outcome 1: Ability to find one or two pieces of information in a graphic

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher 2. GED or High School Diploma 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


Outcome 2: Ability to fill in one or two pieces of information that are missing from a graphic

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher 2. GED or High School Diploma 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


Competency C: Reading for Information

Outcome 1: Identifies main ideas and clearly stated details

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher 2. GED or High School Diploma 3. ______________________________ 4. ______________________________


Outcome 2: Chooses the correct meaning of a word that is clearly defined in the reading



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Outcome 3: Chooses the correct meaning of common, everyday workplace words



Outcome 4: Chooses when to perform each step in a short series of steps



Outcome 5: Applies instructions to a situation that is the same as the one in the reading



Competency D: Writing

Outcome 1: Messages are clear


Personal Eff. LL Learning Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: The majority of the sentences are complete


Personal Eff. Professional LL Learning Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 3: Writing has few mechanical, grammatical, and word usage errors so the message is adequately conveyed. Spelling is generally correct.


Personal Eff. Professional LL Learning Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 4: The language may be more casual than standard business English but never contains slang or is rude


Personal Eff. Professional Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 5: Some organization is evident, but the writing may have inappropriate transitions and/or some information out of logical order


Personal Eff. LL Learning Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency E: English Language (Low Intermediate ESL: Functional & Workplace Skills)

Outcome 1: Ability to interpret simple directions and schedules, signs and maps

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. BEST Plus: 4390472 (SPL 4); BEST Literacy:

64-67 2. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher 3. GED or High School Diploma 4. ______________________________

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5. ______________________________

Outcome 2: Ability to fill out simple forms (may need support on documents that are not simplified)


64-67 2. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher 3. GED or High School Diploma 4. ______________________________ 5. ______________________________


Outcome 3: Can perform routine entry level jobs that involve some written or oral English communication, but in which job tasks can be demonstrated


64-67 2. WorkKeys score of 3 or higher 3. GED or High School Diploma 4. ______________________________ 5. ______________________________


Competency F: Computer Literacy

Outcome 1: Has ongoing access to a computer with Internet and printer (knows access locations and hours, has transportation)

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Observation by job coach/case

manager/staff 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative LL Learning Planning/Org

Outcome 2: Ability to operate a computer, including turning a variety of units on and off, logging on, using a mouse, using/familiar with keyboard


manager/staff 2. Completes a basic computer orientation

class 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative LL Learning

Outcome 3: Ability to perform basic word processing, including creating, accessing and maneuvering MS Word or other WP software, and saving and printing documents

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Document produced in MS Word or

another word processing software and printed

2. Observation by job coach/case manager/staff

3. Completes a basic word processing class 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________


Outcome 4: Uses email for job search or work, including setting up or maintaining a working, professionally named email address, receiving and sending messages in a timely manner, attaching documents and opening attachments

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Working email account with professional

email address 2. Sends job coach/case manager/staff email

with attachments in timely manner from personal email account

3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

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Outcome 5: Demonstrates professional email etiquette, such as proper language and tone, formatting rules, refraining from writing or forwarding inappropriate messages, sending messages too frequently, etc.

Possible Outcome 5 Indicators: 1. Observation of job coach/case

manager/staff email 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional LL Learning Interpersonal

Outcome 6: Ability to use the Internet for job search, including 1) using search engines and finding websites; 2) navigating within websites; 3) creating usernames and passwords; 4) finding websites; 5) uploading and downloading documents


manager/staff 2. Completes a basic Internet navigation class 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


NOTES

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VIII. Employment Barriers ............................ 19 A. Criminal Background ....................................................... 20

B. Health – Physical, Mental, Personal Hygiene .................. 21

C. Housing, Bills, Food, Clothing .......................................... 21

D. Domestic Abuse .............................................................. 22

E. Substance Abuse ............................................................. 22

F. Transportation ................................................................ 23

G. Childcare ......................................................................... 23

H. Child Support .................................................................. 24

I. Age-related Issues ........................................................... 24

J. Long-term Unemployment .............................................. 24

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VIII. Employment Barriers

Competency A: Criminal Backgrounds

Outcome 1: Aware of own background check / criminal record status

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. SLED check, other background check 2. Review of SLED check with knowledgeable

source (trained case manager, coach, staff, legal aid, solicitor's office, etc.) including nature/gravity of offense(s); time passed since conviction or completion of sentence, relation to nature of job sought)

3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative

Outcome 2: Avoids future criminal offenses / knows the negative impact on employment


manager/staff 2. Length of time since last offense 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative Integrity Professional Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 3: Pursues disposition (free) and/or expungement process ($) where applicable

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Paperwork, fees submitted 2. record expunged per follow up SLED check 3. Personal budget including expungement

expense 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative LL Learning Planning/Org

Outcome 4: Pursues federal bonding incentive and/or work opportunity tax credit incentive. Can explain these incentives to potential employers.

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Possession of letter that states person is

eligible for federal bonding program, work opportunity tax credit by employer

2. Individual career plan 3. Interview preparation / mock interview 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Interpersonal Planning/Org

Outcome 5: Can appropriately explain background to potential employer in writing, in person

Possible Outcome 5 Indicators: 1. Completed sample job application with

background question 2. Interview preparation / mock interview

with background questions (nature/gravity of offense, time passed since conviction or completion of sentence, relation to nature of job sought)

3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional Interpersonal

Outcome 6: Avoids career paths that explicitly exclude people with similar criminal records

Possible Outcome 6 Indicators: 1. Information sheet listing career that will

not accept employees with similar criminal records

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2. Individual career plan 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Competency B: Health – Physical & Mental, Personal Hygiene

Outcome 1: Understands/considers employer expectations regarding health, fitness within industry of choice

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Industry research on job requirements 2. Individual career plan 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative LL Learning Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: Realistically assesses own health, fitness and its impact on employment

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Health screening Length of time since last

offense 2. Health & wellness plan 3. Individual career plan 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________


Outcome 3: Accesses health care provider (s)

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Referral to health provider, including

logistics planning (transportation, time requirements, cost, prescriptions, etc.)record expunged per follow up SLED check

2. Maintains necessary prescriptions 3. Personal budget including anticipated

health expenses 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________


Outcome 4: Proper hygiene

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. See Job Search section under Etiquette /

Appearance 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________


Competency C: Housing / Bills / Food / Clothing

Outcome 1: Identifies the current crises

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Asks for assistance (in person, 211, help

lines, etc.) 2. Verbalizes the current barrier(s) 3. Written record of current barrier(s) 4. __________________________________ 5. __________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Interpersonal Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: Accesses support resources for assistance

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Referral to proper resource(s) 2. Follows through (keeps referral

appointments, visits resources during proper times, brings proper paperwork, etc.)

3. Receipt of assistance (food stamps, housing assistance, clothing, etc.)

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4. __________________________________ 5. __________________________________

Outcome 3: Anticipates / avoids future crises

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Written plan for addressing future

barrier(s) to maintaining stability. Lists assistance resources for potential crises.

2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________


Outcome 4: Stable living conditions

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Stable housing, bills, food, clothing 2. Personal budget including these expenses 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


Competency D: Domestic Abuse



lines, etc.) 2. Verbalizes the current abuse 3. Written record of abuse 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________



Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Referral to proper resource(s) 2. Follows through (keeps referral

appointments, visits resources during proper times, brings proper paperwork)

3. Receipt of assistance counseling, support, legal aid, housing, etc.

4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________



Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Written plan for addressing / avoiding

future abuse. Lists assistance resources for potential crises.

2. Legal action 3. Career plan 4. Personal budget 5. ___________________________________ 6. ___________________________________



Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Living conditions without abuse 2. __________________________________ 3. __________________________________


Competency E: Substance Abuse



lines, etc.) 2. Verbalizes the current abuse

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3. Written record of abuse 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________

Critical Thinking


Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Referral to proper resource(s) 2. Follows through (keeps appointments,

brings requested documents, follows instructions, etc.)

3. Receipt of assistance counseling, rehabilitation, support, legal aid, housing, etc.

4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________



Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Written plan for addressing / avoiding

future abuse. Lists assistance resources for potential crises.

2. Career plan 3. Personal budget 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________



Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Living conditions without abuse 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________


Competency F: Transportation

Outcome 1: Reliable transportation to/from work, including back up arrangements if existing transportation fails

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Vehicle insurance, registration 2. Bus route schedule to/from home and work 3. Agreement with ride-share sources 4. Career plan includes transportation plan

and back up (Short term and long term) 5. Personal budget incl. transportation

expenses (gas, repairs, bus fare, ride-share costs, insurance, registration, car loan, etc.)

6. ___________________________________ 7. ___________________________________


Competency G: Childcare

Outcome 1: Reliable plan for childcare. Includes back up plan, sick child plan, after school and summer plan.

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Career plan that includes a written

childcare plan with: a. A back up plan b. A sick child plan c. A summer/after school plan

2. Personal budget including childcare expenses

3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


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Outcome 2: Arranges access to childcare and leverages applicable support programs

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Childcare payments, ABC vouchers 2. Contact with 211, Child Care Resource &

Referral, DSS, etc. 3. Contact with potential childcare sources 4. Agreement with childcare source(s) 5. Work shift arrangement with spouse,

family, or friend 6. ___________________________________ 7. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative Interpersonal Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency H: Child Support

Outcome 1: Child support infraction(s) do not appear during background check

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. SLED check 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Integrity

Outcome 2: Assesses personal situation

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Personal budget including child support 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________


Outcome 3: Accesses assistance with childcare

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Childcare payments, ABC vouchers 2. Contact with 211, Child Care Resource &

Referral, DSS, etc. 3. Contact with potential childcare sources 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________


Competency I: Age

Outcome 1: Appropriately handles individual age-related issues

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Completed sample job application, resume 2. Interview preparation / mock interview 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional LL Learning Planning/Org

Competency J: Long Term Unemployment

Outcome 1: Takes steps to minimize unemployment status

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Volunteer, part-time, temporary

employment, self employment 2. Education, training, skill building activities 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative LL Learning Adapt/Flex Planning/Org

Outcome 2: Appropriately handles questions about unemployment status

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Interview preparation / mock interview

with unemployment question 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

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Competency K: Licensing Exams

Outcome 1: Knows if career goal requires licensing exam(s).

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Career research documents containing

licensing information 2. Licensing exam application form 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Planning/Org

Outcome 2: Knows of any barriers that may prevent him/her from taking exam or receiving license. Prepares to pass licensing exam.

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Class registration, class grades, transcripts 2. Criminal background check 3. Payment for licensing exam fees 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Planning/Org Critical Thinking Lifelong Learning

Outcome 3: Schedules licensing exam test time and takes test.

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Confirmation notice showing licensing

exam is scheduled with date, time, location 2. Score report or other document showing

licensing exam was taken 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Planning/Org Critical Thinking Professional

Outcome 4: Receives licensing exam results and shares information as appropriate with educators and/or employers.

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Score report, certificate, license received 2. License info included on resume, included

in career portfolio / documents 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Planning/Org Professional

NOTES

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IX. Self Management / Life Management ..... 26 A. Financial Management ................................................... 27

B. Conflict Management / Stress Management .................. 28

C. Time Management ......................................................... 28

D. Family / Parenting .......................................................... 29

E. Self-Esteem ..................................................................... 29

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IX. Self Management / Life Management

Competency A: Financial Management

Outcome 1: Aware of overall cost of living

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Budget plan 2. _________________________________ 3. _________________________________


Outcome 2: Aware of debt

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Credit check / credit history 2. Budget plan 3. __________________________________ 4. __________________________________


Outcome 3: Accesses supports / addresses debt

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Credit counseling / financial counseling 2. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) 3. Budget plan (includes dollar value of any

work supports received) 4. __________________________________ 5. __________________________________


Outcome 4: Plans financially for future

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Checking account at bank 2. Savings account, individual development

account (IDA) 3. Education plan for self, family 4. Retirement plan 5. ___________________________________ 6. ___________________________________


Competency B: Conflict Management/Stress Management

Outcome 1: Understands employer expectations

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Sample employment handbook 2. Attendance at employer expectation

workshop(s) 3. Verbalizes under 4. ____________________________________ 5. ____________________________________


Outcome 2: Assesses past behavior

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Employment history 2. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 3. ____________________________________ 4. ____________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Critical Thinking

Outcome 3: Understands consequences of poor conflict management

Possible Outcome 3 Indicators: 1. Training class grade 2. Behavioral style mock interview 3. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________

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Outcome 4: Applies positive conflict management / stress management methods

Possible Outcome 4 Indicators: 1. Employment references / letters of

recommendation 2. Plan for handling conflict, stress in the

workplace 3. Training class grade / seminar participation 4. Behavioral style mock interview 5. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 6. ___________________________________ 7. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Professional Interpersonal Adapt/Flex

Outcome 5: Awareness of assistance / accesses assistance

Possible Outcome 5 Indicators: 1. List of support resources 2. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)(if

available through employer), counseling, physical fitness, medical resources, etc.

3. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 4. ___________________________________ 5. ___________________________________


Competency C: Time Management

Outcome 1: Plans for demands on time


recommendation 2. Time management plan that includes career,

transportation, childcare, health, family, other responsibilities

3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative Adapt/Flex Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: Aware of consequences of poor time management

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Training class grade / seminar participation 2. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency D: Family/Parenting

Outcome 1: Plans for family and parenting situations / events that may affect work

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 1. Current family and parenting issues

incorporated into plans (budget, career, transportation, childcare, time mgt, etc.)

2. Future projection / scenario planning 3. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 4. _____________________________________ 5. _____________________________________

Personal Eff. Dependability Initiative Adapt/Flex Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Outcome 2: Awareness of assistance / accesses assistance

Possible Outcome 2 Indicators: 1. Information handouts, websites, 211, etc. 2. Visits or arrangements with assistance

providers 3. ____________________________________ 4. ____________________________________


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Competency E: Self Esteem

Outcome 1: Maintains healthy self-esteem / self-perception level


recommendation 2. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________

Personal Eff. Initiative Planning/Org

Outcome 2: Has support network for training, employment


recommendation 2. Case manager / staff / job coach observation 3. ___________________________________ 4. ___________________________________


NOTES

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IX. Personal Effectiveness ............................. 30 J. Dependability & Reliability .............................................. 31

K. Initiative .......................................................................... 31

L. Integrity .......................................................................... 32

M. Professionalism ............................................................... 32

N. Interpersonal Skills .......................................................... 32

O. Adaptability & Flexibility ................................................. 32

P. Planning & Organizing .................................................... 33

Q. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving ................................ 33

R. Willingness to Learn / Lifelong Learning ......................... 33

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X. Personal Effectiveness

Competency A: Dependability & Reliability

Outcome 1: Meets attendance obligations

Possible Outcome 1 Indicators: 5. Case manager / staff / job coach / instructor

/ other personal observation & case notes 6. Training attendance records / grades 7. Employment attendance records / work

history 8. References attesting to these qualities 9. Mock interview responses 10. Soft skill assessment tool results 11. _________________________________ 12. _________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Professionalism Planning/Org

Outcome 2: Follows protocol / makes proper alternate arrangements when unable to meet obligations


/ other personal observation & case notes 2. Training attendance records / grades 3. Employment attendance records / work

history 4. Written career plan with back-up plan 5. Mock interview response 6. Soft skill assessment tool results 7. 8. _________________________________ 9. _________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Professionalism Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency B: Initiative

Outcome 1: Takes personal responsibility


/ other personal observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Mock interview responses 6. Soft skill assessment tool results 7. 8. ____________________________________ 9. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Dependability Interpersonal

Outcome 2: Takes appropriate action to advance personal, family, community and/or work goals


/ other personal observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Mock interview responses 6. ____________________________________ 7. ____________________________________ 8.

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Competency C: Integrity

Outcome 1: Behaviors and decisions reflect ethical conduct; is truthful; takes personally responsibility


/ other personal observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Mock interview responses 6. Soft skill assessment tool results 7. ____________________________________ 8. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Dependability Professionalism Interpersonal

Competency D: Professionalism

Outcome 1: Behaves professionally in the workplace: keeps work and home life separate; treats others with respect; respects property and equipment; uses appropriate workplace language and communication; displays discretion and customer service; resolves conflicts appropriately


observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Mock interview responses 6. Soft skill assessment tool results 7. ____________________________________ 8. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Dependability Integrity Interpersonal Adapt/Flex Planning/Org Critical Thinking

Competency E: Interpersonal Skills

Outcome 1: Communicates and relates well with others; treats others with respect; uses appropriate workplace language and communication; displays discretion and customer service; resolves conflicts appropriately; takes personal responsibility


observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Mock interview responses 6. Soft skill assessment tool results 7. ____________________________________ 8. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Professionalism Adapt/Flex Critical Thinking

Competency F: Adaptability & Flexibility

Outcome 1: Adapts to changing conditions; attitude toward change; willing to learn new processes, procedures, etc.


observation & case notes 2. Work history 3. References attesting to these qualities 4. Mock interview responses 5. Soft skill assessment tool results 6. ____________________________________ 7. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Initiative Professionalism Interpersonal LL Learning

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Competency G: Planning & Organizing

Outcome 1: Plans for responsibilities and obligations (personal and professional)


observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Mock interview responses 6. Career plan 7. ____________________________________ 8. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Dependability Critical Thinking Initiative Professionalism

Outcome 2: Organizes tasks to maximize one’s own time and others’ time


/ other personal observation & case notes 2. Training records / grades 3. Work history 4. References attesting to this quality 5. Career plan 6. ____________________________________ 7. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Initiative Professionalism Interpersonal Critical Thinking

Competency H: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Outcome 1: Takes personal responsibility in solving problems; considers multiple factors when designing solutions; communicates potential solutions with others; accepts criticism and feedback; adjusts and applies knowledge to problem solving


observation & case notes 9. Work history 10. References attesting to these qualities 11. Mock interview responses 12. Soft skill assessment tool results 13. ____________________________________ 14. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Initiative Integrity Professionalism Interpersonal Adapt/Flex Planning / Org LL Learning

Competency I: Willingness to Learn / Lifelong Learning

Outcome 1: Shows interest in learning; positive attitude toward change; seeks opportunities to learn


observation & case notes 10. Training records / grades 11. Work history 12. References attesting to this quality 13. Mock interview responses 14. Career plan 15. ____________________________________ 16. ____________________________________

Related Personal Eff. Initiative Adapt/Flex Interpersonal Professionalism

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