Competency Area 7: Relationships with Employers & Between Employer and Employee
This competency area focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that youth service professionals need to successfully develop and manage relationships with employers to assist youth in obtaining and maintaining employment. Click on individual competencies listed below for learning objectives, professional development activities, and resources for that specific competency or scroll down to read them all. Note: The letter “D” indicates a competency specific to youth with disabilities.
7.1 Ability to develop relationships with employers
7.1 Ability to develop relationships with employers
Learning Objectives
- 7.1.1 Facilitate and support collaborative relationships with employers
Selected Activities
- Contact selected employers and conduct informational interviews
- List and describe existing programs, activities, and resources
- Take the Career Circuit: Building Relationships/Developing Community Support – Working with Employers tutorial
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Describe a plan or program with possibilities to develop relationships with local employers
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Center on Secondary Education & Transition (NCSET). (2004). In Their Own Words: Employer Perspectives on Youth with Disabilities in the Workplace. University of Minnesota, College of Education & Human Development.
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth Research to Practice Brief, Issue 1. (2004). Building Lasting Connections to Employers: Developing Community-Wide Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 17. (2005). Facilitating Employer Engagement among WIB Partners: A Role for Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
- National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 3.4 Working. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement with NYEC.]
Other Resources
- The Community Toolbox. “Building and Sustaining Relationships” in Chapter 14: Core Functions in Leadership.
- The Community Toolbox. “Making Personal Contact with Potential Participants” in Chapter 7: Encouraging Involvement in Community Work.
- Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI). (2004). Creating Effective Business Partnerships: What Businesses Want Human Service Agencies to Know. Written by R. Kugler & C. Thomas.
- Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions (MCST), Keene State College. (2010). How to Build Partnerships for Career Exploration – Using Job Shadows to Explore the World of Work. Written by B. Street, S. Bigaj, & S. Mahon.
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement.
7.2 Ability to communicate effectively with employers
7.2 Ability to communicate effectively with employers
Learning Objectives
- 7.1.2 Facilitate and support effective communications with employers using business language
Selected Activities
- Interview selected employers to find out the top five characteristics they want in an employee
- Create materials emphasizing how existing programs, activities, and resources develop these characteristics in youth
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Create well prepared communication and correspondence (flyers, brochure, letters) that communicate to employers in their language
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Center on Secondary Education & Transition (NCSET). (2004). In Their Own Words: Employer Perspectives on Youth with Disabilities in the Workplace. University of Minnesota, College of Education & Human Development.
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth Research to Practice Brief, Issue 1. (2004). Building Lasting Connections to Employers: Developing Community-Wide Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
- National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 3.4 Working. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement with NYEC.]
Other Resources
- The Community Toolbox. “Building and Sustaining Relationships” in Chapter 14: Core Functions in Leadership.
- The Community Toolbox. ”Making Personal Contact with Potential Participants” in Chapter 7: Encouraging Involvement in Community Work.
- The Community Toolbox. “Making Community Presentations” in Chapter 4: Getting Issues on the Public Agenda.
- The Community Toolbox. ”Developing a Plan for Communication” in Chapter 6: Promoting Interest in Community Issues.
- Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI). (2004). Creating Effective Business Partnerships: What Businesses Want Human Service Agencies to Know. Written by R. Kugler & C. Thomas.
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement.
7.3 Ability to organize necessary supports for the employer and the youth in ways that meet both the needs of both
7.3 Ability to organize necessary supports for the employer and the youth in ways that meet both the needs of both
Learning Objectives
- 7.3.1 Model routine, intentional, and effective communication and conflict resolution strategies
Selected Activities
- Identify a scenario in which an employer and youth might have a misunderstanding; state how you would mediate the situation, citing resources that back up your choice
- Explore the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Professional Development Course on Conflict Resolution.
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Successful management of an employer-youth placement relationship
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth. Working with Employers – Workplace Success Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
- National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 3.4 Working. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement with NYEC.]
Other Resources
- The Community Toolbox. ”Providing Corrective Feedback” in Chapter 32: Providing Encouragement & Education.
- The Community Toolbox. “Training for Conflict Resolution” in Chapter 20: Providing Information and Enhancing Skills.
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement; and Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning.
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). Strategies: Job Negotiation.
7.4 Ability to engage employers in program design and delivery
7.4 Ability to engage employers in program design and delivery
Learning Objectives
- 7.4.1 Facilitate and support engagement of employers in program design and delivery
Selected Activities
- Solicit employer input on existing program materials and procedures
- Take the Career Circuit: Building Relationships/Developing Community Support – Working with Employers tutorial
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Describe a plan or program possibilities to engage local employers in youth program design and delivery
- Help your program establish an employer advisory group
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth Research to Practice Brief, Issue 1. (2004). Building Lasting Connections to Employers: Developing Community-Wide Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 17. (2005). Facilitating Employer Engagement among WIB Partners: A Role for Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. Work-Based Learning.
- National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices, 3.4 Working. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement with NYEC.]
Other Resources
- Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI). (1994). Employment Advisory Boards: The Ultimate Community Resource. Written by D. Hoff, M. Van Gelder, M. Gold & J. Marrone.
- Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions (MCST), Keene State College. (2010). How to Build Partnerships for Career Exploration – Using Job Shadows to Explore the World of Work. Written by B. Street, S. Bigaj, & S. Mahon.
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement; Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning; and Windows on the Workplace: Mentoring, Youth, and WIA.
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). Strategies: Job Negotiation.
7.5 Ability to train employers in how to work with and support young people
7.5 Ability to train employers in how to work with and support young people
Learning Objectives
- 7.5.1 Provide for and ensure proper training for employers in how to work with and support young people
Selected Activities
- Develop an employers needs assessment survey
- Prepare a list of responses to common employer misperceptions related to youth in the workplace
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Develop several program possibilities for local employers in how to work with and support young people based on needs assessment feedback
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth & Institute for Community Inclusion. (2008). Universal Design for the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Toward Universal Access in the Workforce Development System. Written by C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth. Universal Access Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth. Working with Employers – Workplace Success Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. Digging Deeper: Five Areas of Youth Development/Youth Leadership.
- National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). PEPNet Online Index to Quality Practices. 3.4 Working. [Create a free login account to access this section of the PEPNet Online Tools for Program Improvement with NYEC.]
Other Resources
- The Community Toolbox. ”Providing Corrective Feedback”in Chapter 32: Providing Encouragement and Education.
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement; Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning; and Windows on the Workplace: Mentoring, Youth, and WIA.
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). Strategies: Job Negotiation.
7.6 Customer service skills
7.6 Customer service skills
Learning Objectives
- 7.6.1 Model routine, intentional, and effective customer service skills
Selected Activities
- List and describe customer service strategies that would enhance relationships with employers
- Identify ways to solicit employer feedback on their satisfaction with your service
- Ask a colleague to keep an eye on your interactions with customers for a few days, and then provide feedback – strengths and areas to improve
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Analyze customer service in your organization and engage colleagues in developing and implementing and improvement plan
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
Other Resources
- NTAR Leadership Center. (2011). Outcome-driven Business Services in the Workforce Development System (PowerPoint) (Transcript also available). [This webinar includes information on attributes of good business customer service.]
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement.
7.7D Ability to identify, recruit, and provide support to employers who hire youth with disabilities
7.7D Ability to identify, recruit, and provide support to employers who hire youth with disabilities
Learning Objectives
- 7.7.D.1 Facilitate identification and recruitment of employers regarding hiring youth with disabilities
- 7.7.D.2 List and describe effective support strategies for employers that hire youth with disabilities
Selected Activities
- Take the Career Circuit A. Building Relationships/Developing Community Support tutorial
- Read Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries
- Explore several employer-friendly youth advocacy strategies for youth with disabilities and then identify which of these would best apply to your organization.
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Describe a plan to involve local employers in the preparation process for youth.
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- National Center on Secondary Education & Transition (NCSET). (2004). In Their Own Words: Employer Perspectives on Youth with Disabilities in the Workplace. University of Minnesota, College of Education & Human Development.
- NCWD/Youth & Institute for Community Inclusion. (2008). Universal Design for the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Towards Universal Access in the Workforce Development System. Written by C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth. Universal Access Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth. Working with Employers – Workplace Success Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 6. (2003). Personal Assistance Services on the Job.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
Other Resources
- Disability.gov. Employment.
- Institute for Community Inclusion. (1994). Employment Advisory Boards: The Ultimate Community Resource. Written by D. H. Hoff, M. Van Gelder, M. G. Gold, & J. Marrone.
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Employer Engagement; and Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning.
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). Strategies: Job Negotiation.
- TransCen, Inc. (2004). Workforce Discovery: Diversity and Disability in the Workplace.
7.8D Ability to advocate for youth with disabilities with employers including negotiating job design, job customization, and job carving
7.8D Ability to advocate for youth with disabilities with employers including negotiating job design, job customization, and job carving
Learning Objectives
- 7.8.D.1 Match youth skills and interests to job tasks
- 7.8.D.2. Identify necessary accommodations needed by individual youth and help employers implement them
Selected Activities
- Review the Accommodating Disability training module
- Based on an individual youth profile, identify potential areas in which accommodations might be needed
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- List strategies for presenting individual accommodation needs to an employer in ways that demonstrate how the employer would benefit from making the accommodation.
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth & Institute for Community Inclusion. (2008). Universal Design for the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Toward Universal Access in the Workforce Development System. Written by C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth. Universal Access Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth. Working with Employers – Workplace Success Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 6. (2003). Personal Assistance Services on the Job.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
- The Pacer Center. Supported Employment.
Other Resources
- Disability.gov. Employment.
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN). [Website of JAN, which provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.]
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- School & Main Institute for the Texas Workforce Commission Youth Program Initiative. (2003). Training Packets and Tools for Action on Youth at Work: Making the Most of Work-Based Learning.
- Training & Technical Assistance For Providers (T-TAP). Strategies: Job Negotiation.
- TransCen, Inc. (2004). Workforce Discovery: Diversity and Disability in the Workplace.
- WorkSupport.com. [Website of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, which studies supports for assisting individuals with disabilities maintain employment and advance their careers.]
7.9D Ability to train employers and their staff in how to work with and support young people, including providing disability awareness training and information about universal access and design, reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services for youth with disabilities
7.9D Ability to train employers and their staff in how to work with and support young people, including providing disability awareness training and information about universal access and design, reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services for youth with disabilities
Learning Objectives
- 7.9.D.1 Develop, implement, deliver and monitor strategies for training employers and their staff in how to work with and support young people, including providing disability awareness training and information about universal access and design, reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services for youth with disabilities
Selected Activities
- Explore several area employers’ professional development programs and strategies and then list the advantages/ disadvantages of these programs as they apply to the youth you work with
Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!
- Describe a plan or program possibilities to train employers and their staff in how to work with and support young people, including:
- providing disability awareness training
- information about universal access and design
- reasonable accommodations
- auxiliary aids and services for youth with disabilities
- Develop a list of resources for your organization on:
- Disability awareness
- Information about universal design
- Reasonable accommodations
- Auxiliary aids and services
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth & Institute for Community Inclusion. (2008). Universal Design for the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Towards Universal Access in the Workforce Development System. Written by C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth. Guideposts for Employer Success.
- NCWD/Youth. Universal Access Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth. Working with Employers – Workplace Success Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 6. (2003). Personal Assistance Services on the Job.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 12. (2005). Strategies for Youth Workforce Programs to Become Employer-Friendly Intermediaries.
Other Resources
- AskEarn.org, website of the Employer Assistance Resource Network (EARN) [This website is managed by the National Technical Assistance, Policy, and Research Center for Employers on Employment of People with Disabilities at Cornell University.]
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN). [Website of JAN, which provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.]
- Rattray, D. (2011). Conflict Resolution Tutorial.
- WorkSupport.com. [Website of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, which studies supports for assisting individuals with disabilities maintain employment and advance their careers.]
