Introducing the Project

'Plan to Placement Cohort'

Project Goal

To strengthen a cohort of Supported Employment Providers through coaching/mentoring to skillfully gather Person-Centered Employment Planning information to assist job seekers in obtaining Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) that fits their skills and desired needs.  

Project Objectives at the end of this project, participants will be able to:

• Outline steps to gather Person-Centered Employment Plan information
• Describe how to utilize Person-Centered information for successful job development
• Gather Person-Centered information on at least two job seekers

Details

• No registration or participation fees!
• Open to Supported Employment Providers and Support Coordinators
• The Cohort will meet twice per month, via Zoom, for six months (June through November 2021)
• Option to join in September for the second round of working with a job seeker

Job Seekers 

Participants will be required to bring a job seeker to walk through a person-centered employment plan with. Coworkers may pair up to work with a single job seeker. 

• Job Seeker #2 needed on September 23rd for Part 1 and October 18th for Part 2

COHORT LEADS

Debra Mclean is passionate about seeing people with disabilities succeed in the work force. For the last 37 years, Debra has worked on numerous projects involving people with disabilities and supported employment. Debra provides training and consultation on employment and personcentered planning throughout the Northwest. She has worked collaboratively with schools, families, agencies, businesses, and individuals, both in the U.S. and in Australia. She was the lead instructor for the Highline Community Class on Job Development and Marketing, Employment Specialist Certification Program in Vancouver Washington for 12 years. Debra holds an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling and Deafness. 

Chisa O’Quinn is a Social Worker who has traveled with individuals through the worlds of Corrections, Counseling, Disability Services, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. What sets her apart as a leader and advocate in the field is her ability to creatively seek solutions in difficult situations, as well as her focus on person-centered planning strategies. Chisa holds a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. She has been in the field of Developmental Disabilities since 2003, starting as an Employment Specialist, Supported Employment Program Manager, and Personal Agent in Vancouver and in Oregon’s Brokerage system. Chisa is an avid spectator who enjoys watching sporting events, comedy shows, theater, movies and generally saying “yes” to new opportunities and activities that cross her path. Her primary focuses include Transition, Person-Centered Planning, Community Building, and Diversity initiatives.

Jenny Crook (she/her) has been providing training and technical assistance on Customized Employment for the last 5 years. Her previous experience was as a Competitive Integrated Employment Program Manager, an Employment Specialist, and a Job Coach. Jenny trains ACRE approved curriculum and has served as an At Large ACRE Board Member for the last 2 years. She enjoys using her training as a Person-Centered Planning Facilitator to brainstorm employment possibilities with people. Jenny’s interests and strengths are in collaborating with supported employment programs and teams to create and implement best practices. She is passionate about the tenets of Employment First and achieving equitable employment for all.