Rehab Report. January 1, 2015 June 30, 2015

Transcription

1 Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. Department of Rehabilitation 2747 Belmont Ave. Youngstown, Ohio Dorothy L. Nespeca, M.Ed., CRC, LPC Director of Rehabilitation July 16, 2015

2 GENERAL COMMENTS During the first 6 months of 2015, Vocational Services were provided to 602 individuals representing an 89% increase over this period last year. Additionally, 1022 children were screened through the Amblyopia Screening Program; 28 individuals received eye exams or glasses; 602 individuals were assisted with vision related questions through the social services program and 1235 radios are distributed in the community as part of the Radio Reading Program. Input obtained from individuals receiving services indicate a high level of satisfaction with their experience at Goodwill and the staff. Feedback from satisfaction surveys and employee forums provide suggestions for quality improvement in programs and work areas. Individuals who are disabled or homeless attend the traditional vocational rehabilitation programs at Goodwill. Goodwill did not receive HUD funds for individuals who are homeless as it has prior to 2014 because HUD is focusing on providing funds for housing not supportive services. However, Goodwill continues to provide vocational services to individuals who are homeless with a goal of serving 48 this year. Disabilities and disadvantages of clients entering vocational services include economically disadvantaged, homelessness, orthopedic, psychiatric, criminal background, learning disability, substance abuse, cardiac/pulmonary, visual, hearing, and other physical disabilities. Other Demographic Information of Individuals Receiving Services Includes: Female 71% Male 29% Trumbull County 77% Mahoning County 22% Columbiana 1% Under Age 21 10% % Over 55 9% White 71% Black or African American 27% Native American 1% Asian 1% Veterans 3% Referral sources include the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services, Homeless Shelters, Domestic Violence Shelters, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, the Veterans Administration, Private Rehab Agencies, MCTA, and other local agencies. 1

3 VOCATIONAL AND VISION PROGRAMS Vocational Evaluation The Vocational Evaluation program provided comprehensive vocational assessments to 142 consumers during the first half of 2015 compared with 80 during this period last year representing a 77% increase. Economically disadvantaged, disabled and homeless are the primary descriptors of those receiving services. Assessment services are offered at Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services and at the Goodwill site. Focusing on a goal of obtaining employment, some clients may attend work adjustment training prior to job placement while Job and Family Service clients participate in a Work Experience Program. Vocational Evaluation is the foundation of identifying realistic vocational goals. A comprehensive interview; interest, aptitude and achievement testing and background information is used to compile a complete report with the development of objectives toward obtaining employment. Outcomes: 1. 98% of individuals in Vocational Evaluation completed the program and exited with positive vocational outcomes compared with a goal of 88% % of those not completing accepted social services goals. 3. The referral sources accepted recommendations made on all clients. 4. The units of service provided met 81% of the goal of providing 100 billable days per month. 5. Through a satisfaction survey, 100% of individuals served expressed overall satisfaction of the program; that they gained information about themselves and jobs that they would be best at; and that the staff was helpful and their choices and needs were considered. Work Adjustment Work Adjustment provides a work training program based on an individualized plan that assist persons seeking employment to develop work skills, attitudes, personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, and work behaviors to achieve positive employment outcomes. The program has been effective in providing paid work experience to individuals with disabilities and those who are homeless and has prepared them for competitive employment opportunities. Veterans referred through the Veterans Administration develop stamina, demonstrate initiative in attending that is necessary for future programming such as college, and learn skills such as computer operations. Individuals attend a Work Experience Program either at Goodwill or at the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services. Work activities include contract work such as assembly, packaging, and sorting products, clerical work, preparing mailers, alphabetizing donation slips and other jobs. This work satisfies the Ohio State plan of providing a program in which cash and food stamp recipients work without pay at a job in order to gain work experience and training. There were 73 WEP participants at Goodwill compared with 16 in At Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services there were 223 participants compared with 60 last year. 2

4 Outcomes: individuals attended Work Adjustment during the first 6 months of 2015, down 8% from this period last year. The goal of enrolling 12 individuals per quarter in Work Adjustment was exceeded by 4%. 2. Nine individuals attended a Community Work Adjustment, exceeding the goal by 50% % of completers in Work Adjustment were referred to Job Placement. 4. No completors in Work Adjustment were referred to Sheltered Employment, a program for those with less than competitive work production. 5. No completors in Work Adjustment were referred exclusively to social services because of not being ready for employment. 6. Eighteen of nineteen individuals completed the program in 40 days or less % of class goals were met by participants at the completion of their Work Adjustment Program individuals received WEP services at Goodwill and at the Trumbull County site compared with 76 during Through a satisfaction survey given to completors in Work Adjustment, 100% expressed that they were overall satisfied with the program; felt that skill acquisition would lead to employment; felt classes were helpful; and felt that the staff and supervisors provided adequate time and feedback. Sheltered Employment Sheltered Employment at Goodwill provides long term employment to individuals with disabilities that affect their functioning on the job. They have the opportunity to attend classes, develop a sheltered employment plan with a program manager, receive counseling to resolve personal and work issues, and have work techniques coaching. Organizational employees are competitively hired employees who require assistance and support from the rehabilitation staff in regard to community needs, on the job behaviors, making appointments and related issues. 1. During the first 6 months of 2015, 51 individuals have been employed in the Sheltered Employment Program compared to a goal of Thirty five individuals have been employed as Organizational employees, which meets the goal % of Sheltered Employees attend classes, which exceeds the goal by 1%. 4. Satisfaction surveys indicate that 93% felt that Sheltered Employment is preparing them for competitive employment; 96% felt that the staff is helpful, responsive to input and spends time meeting to convey progress. 100% expressed that classes are beneficial. Job Placement Many individuals entering Goodwill s programs have limited work experience, have never worked or had difficulty maintaining employment. Generally, following Vocational Assessment and Work Adjustment, job placement services begin. Services needed by each client are individually identified in order that progress can be made toward successful employment. 3

5 Vocational Assessment goals and performance in Work Adjustment indicate the type of employment setting sought for the individual. Employment has been obtained in positions such as housekeeper, stock person, prep cook, truck driver, sales representative, cashier, dietary aide, and material handler. Outcomes: 1. Of the twenty individuals placed, 75% obtained part time employment; 15% obtained full time employment and 10% were placed at Goodwill in Sheltered Employment % of those placed remained on the job for 90 days compared to a goal of 75%. 3. Average earnings were $9.11/hr. compared to a goal of $ The average waiting time of finding a job was 2 days compared to a goal securing employment within 15 days. 5. There were 18 competitive placements made, which meets the goal. 6. Nine individuals completed a Community Work Adjustment, which was 50% above the goal of 6 per quarter % of those completing job placement expressed through a satisfaction survey that the program was helpful in their job search; the staff was kind and provided assistance; Job Club was beneficial; they were involved in their program and overall satisfied with the program. VISION SERVICES The Amblyopia Program provided screening to 1022 children during the first 6 months of 2015, down 17% from Screening detects a possible vision problem or Amblyopia, which is a reduction in vision in an eye that has not been adequately used during childhood, resulting in underdevelopment of the visual pathway for that eye. Of those screened, 118 were referred to an eye doctor due to an unsuccessful screening. 63% of children screened were from Mahoning County; 27% were from Trumbull County, and 10% were from Columbiana County. Trained volunteers screen 4-5 year old children at preschools and health fairs. Training is provided by the Ohio Department of Health and the program coordinator. The Vision Services Program provided exams and eye glasses to 28 individuals. Persons in need of glasses who are economically disadvantaged can schedule an intake interview with the program coordinator. Required income and expense information is reviewed. A committee of rehab staff members reviews the applicants information and determines eligibility to receive an eye exam and glasses. Social Services are provided by means of disseminating information to callers and in-person inquiries regarding vision loss issues. Many persons contact the Radio Reading staff regarding their needs or a family member s eye disease, low vision aids, service providers, guide dogs, travel training, transportation issues and a large array of other concerns. The experienced staff assists in providing resources. 602 inquiries/contacts were made during this 6 month period. Youngstown Radio Reading Service broadcasts printed materials to print impaired individuals through radios tuned specifically to a special frequency radios are distributed throughout the listening area. Staff and volunteers provide in-depth coverage of newspapers, along with readings from magazines, books, and talk shows. 4