JobShop, Inc.
Resources for Workforce Development

Assessments are essential to determining which services will be value-added for each client. They serve a purpose for both the client and the case manager. In this module, the participant learns about different types of assessments and the proper way to use each.

Becoming more aware of ourselves and others is key to accelerating learning, improving communication and minimizing mistakes. This module helps participants identify their learning style, how each style differs from others and why it matters. In the world of Workforce Development, this information is especially helpful when communicating with job seekers whose learning style may be different from your own.

Behavior based interviewing is becoming more popular with employers because it has been proved to be a more accurate measure of how a potential employee will perform on the job. Job seekers need to be prepared for the types of questions that will be asked in behavior based interviews. This module reviews the definition of behavior based interviews, how it is beneficial for a workforce professional to be familiar with behavior based interviewing and how to navigate this type of interview.

On-the-job training (OJT) is one type of training funded by WIA. This training immediately places the participant into meaningful work that is intended to continue even when training has been completed. This presentation gives an in depth definition of WIA On the Job Training, specifies how it should be used and reviews the guidelines and process for using OJT's.

Career decision making is a collaborate process through which individuals are helped to better understand themselves and their options. The case manager must assist individuals in finding the options that best fit individual natures, situations and expectations. This module addresses the case manager's role in the process of facilitating career decision making.

Person centered planning is a great approach to be more effective in helping our customers become self sufficient and successful. Person centered planning focuses on each individual's strengths and needs and how goals can be accomplished in a team. This module will define person centered planning, how it can be used to help those with significant barriers to employment and outlines the steps involved in the process.

Case management should be customized for each individual client. The WIA case manager is responsible for facilitating a comprehensive set of services to help each client plan and succeed in career planning. This seminar includes a definition of case management, the elements of case management and reviews strategies for effective case management.

Although this is not the first time our country has seen economic hard times, individuals who are unemployed today are much different from those who have been unemployed in the past. Workforce professionals need not assume each job seeker is the same. This module addresses the basic needs of the newly unemployed and the challenges faced in helping them overcome their barriers.

Good customer service is the foundation for helping job seekers overcome barriers. This module addresses the need for a commitment to customer service, good communication and building a helping relationship with the customer. It also addresses some actual customer service problems and gives suggestions for improving customer service.

Workforce development professionals have two targeted customers: job seekers and employers. It is the WIA professional's goal to be able to connect them successfully and to ensure that the relationship between the two remains constructive. There are several avenues to connect the two. This module offers strategies for employers to consider when seeking employees. It also holds the keys to ensure a successful match between employer and employee so there is a comfortable fit, not just at first, but also as they both change and grow.

Negative attitudes can be a barrier to both working with others and serving customers. Learning how to diffuse negative attitudes in coworkers as well as in customers will help lead to more positive outcomes for all involved. This module identifies six types of negative attitudes, different strategies to diffuse each one when working with and serving others, as well as how to overcome negative attitudes in yourself.

Find out why employers choose not to advertise most jobs, where they don't advertise them and strategies for accessing the hidden job market. Understanding the hidden job market will enhance opportunities for job-seeking customers.

Employers ask many questions during interviews with potential employees. It is necessary for the job seeker to know which questions are allowable by law, which ones are not and why. This module explains why an employer may ask certain questions and teaches the job seeker the most professional way to handle them.

According to Dr. Howard Gardner, psychologist and neuroscientist from Harvard University, humans possess eight different intelligences. This module explores these intelligences by identifying them and explaining how their relation to an employment situation can be invaluable. It offers an invaluable resource section on how to ensure a good connection between certain types of intelligence and the job that suits that intelligence.

An individual Service Strategy is a tool that guides the client and case manager. It outlines goals, develops an action plan, identifies possible barriers and solutions in advance. The ISS answers the questions, "Where am I?", "Where am I going?" and "How will I get there?". This module addresses the purpose of the ISS and what should be included on the form. Each participant in this course will learn what is included on the ISS and how to develop one for each client.

Employment proposals are about creating work opportunities rather than filling a current opening. Learn how to create a "win-win" situation by utilizing employment proposals. This module provides step-by-step instructions on how to design an effective employment proposal.

Informational interviews are often an under-utilized technique to gather information on a particular career field, better prepare for a position in that field and establish networking opportunities. Job seekers should take advantage of informational interviews when considering entering a specific field. This module reviews the purpose and benefits of an informational interview and how to go about arranging one.

Customer satisfaction sometimes depends more on how the case manager conveys important information rather than what the information is. Difficult situations arise when the case managers might not have all the information necessary to help a client's specific problem. When you don't have all the answers, you must have the skill and knowledge to navigate the process to enlist customer satisfaction through job seeker empowerment, choice and participation. This module addresses creating positive experiences with customers, even when you don't have all the answers.

This module includes a summary of the One-Stop system. Students will learn the purpose, benefits and partnerships involved in each One Stop. An overview of the variety of services provided and the agencies included in the One Stop will help each student understand the all-inclusive benefits to job seekers.

If you don't have time to do it right the first time, how will you have time to do it over? This seminar will help you analyze what is on your "to do" list and how to prioritize. You will learn about time management styles, tools and considerations. Seminar participants will analyze time management tips and think through the challenges associated with managing time as a workforce professional.

Each person possesses an infinite number of skills. How does a front-line worker, supervisor, manager, or staff member know how to identify those skills and use them to benefit the customer and the employer? This module offers the elements to determine what types of skills a job seeker or staff member possesses. It clears up the difference between hard and soft skills hidden within the lines of a resume. It also offers a functional tool for explaining the most practical capacities for the various identified skills.

It is essential that organizations have accurate and thorough information to support enrolling an individual into a farm worker funded program. This seminar will walk the staff person through eligibility criteria and documentation to ensure compliance.

This module includes a summary of the One-Stop system. Students will learn the purpose, benefits and partnerships involved in each One Stop. An overview of the variety of services provided and the agencies included in the One Stop will help each student understand the all-inclusive benefits to job seekers.

This seminar will review basic service Indicators that are required if you work with targeted funding sources. Seminar participants will learn about the federal requirements and tools and techniques to meet the requirements.