Narrative: k.

The Business Engagement Unit (BEU) is responsible for employer outreach. The BEU builds relationships with industry leaders through Chambers of Commerce, local Workforce Development Boards, personal business visits, career expos, and/or job fairs to identify and provide solutions to assist businesses in overcoming the challenges of recruiting, retaining, and developing talent, and provides disability awareness and sensitivity training. The BEU provides counselors with information about labor market, job vacancies, skills necessary to obtain jobs in high demand occupations, and earning potential and advancement opportunities in various occupations to increase opportunities for achieving competitive integrated employment.

The BEU markets ARS to businesses and community members to increase awareness of ARS services to businesses, people with disabilities, and community partners.

The AT@Work and Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work programs are designed to assist ARS clients and referring vocational rehabilitation counselors in selecting and obtaining the appropriate assistive technology to facilitate the achievement of the clients’ established vocational goals and attain successful, competitive integrated employment outcomes. Services through the AT@Work program include assistive technology and accommodation evaluation and assessment, assistive technology device selection and procurement, training and technical assistance, and occupational abilities assessments. These services are primarily directed as it relates to education, school, training programs, vocational and technical education programs, and job retention efforts. AT@Work is a statewide program staffed by occupational therapists and an accommodations specialist.

The SAW/RTW program is designed to provide support to employers and employees when an employee is experiencing an injury or illness that results in a disabling condition, inhibiting the employee from remaining at work or returning to work as soon as it is safe and medically feasible. Program staff include a SAW/RTW coordinator and an administrative assistant. They can also recruit the assistance of evaluation staff located in the AT@Work program.

SAW/RTW provides access to professionals who have expertise in the areas of: vocational counseling to assist an employee in the process of adjusting to a disability and the importance of remaining positive as it relates to stay-at-work/return-to-work efforts; specialized vocational assessments that help identify an employee’s vocational strengths and weaknesses as it relates to successful job performance; job site assessment to determine how an employee’s presenting disability interferes with task performance and with the identification of potential modifications to the work environment; job analysis to identify the specific functions of a job and the mental and/or physical requirements needed for successful job performance; and individualized employee training regarding the correct use of any new technology or equipment introduced to assist in work performance. Staff can also provide general ergonomic assessments and training targeted toward employees in jobs that may present the likelihood of occurrence of injury or illness that leads to disability.

The SAW/RTW coordinator works with the employee and the employer to develop a SAW/RTW plan that, if required, addresses the need for accommodation in the workplace; identifies successful performance indicators with employer assistance; outlines the process to return or maintain the employee’s employment; or after investigation may determine potential assignments for transitional employment.

ARS provides and/or procures transition services including Pre-ETS for students and youth with disabilities through community rehabilitation programs and local education agencies that place students into paid work experiences with employers throughout the state depending on the vocational interests of the student or youth. Pre-ETS counselors, vendors, and school-based providers, facilitate opportunities in group settings and individually with job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, and workplace readiness training. Employers are contracted to provide on-the-job training experiences, job placement, supported employment, and customized employment opportunities. ARS provides assistive technology assessments and training to assist students transitioning from school to postsecondary training or to work.