The Innovative Guided Rehabilitation Employer Engagement Training (iGREET), created by the Program on Innovative Rehabilitation Training on Employer Engagement (PIRTEE), offers Employer Engagement training opportunities to VR professionals engaged in supporting business customers.
Agencies encouraging staff members to enroll in the iGREET online modules may wish to consider using a group learning option, with learners working through the online modules as part of a cohort and participating in supplemental discussions and other exercises led by an in-house trainer.
To support agencies in these efforts, the PIRTEE created the iGREET Trainer Companion Guide. The guide includes a variety of resources to support the online, asynchronous instruction. Videos can be accessed here. Other resources including quick guides, case scenarios, tips and factsheets, and agency-specific examples are found below.
Module 1, Lesson 1
iGREET_M1L1_Harriet & Help Wanted (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: a new employer and strategies for developing an employer engagement connection.
iGREET_M1L1_Reluctant Colleague (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: ways to discuss how employer engagement benefits the VR agency and its job seeker clients with co-workers who are reluctant to embrace or accept the dual-customer approach.
iGREET_M1L1_WIOA and Dual Customer (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains the WIOA regulations that reference services to employers and performance indicators used by the WIOA core partners.
Module 1, Lesson 2
iGREET_M1L2_Establishing EE Boundaries (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: practice how to establish boundaries when engaging with an employer and to be clear about what you can and cannot provide.
iGREET_M1L2_APSE Ethical Guidelines Download PDF
This Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) resource describes basic human principles that should be considered for trainers of staff in supported employment including: individuality, choice, respect, participation, competence, social inclusion, life support, career advancement, staff training, community setting with minimal intrusion, employment, career planning, job development, job acquisition, and work support.
iGREET_M1L2_CRCC Professional Code of Ethics Download PDF
This CRCC Code of Professional Ethics provides guidance for ethical practice of rehabilitation counselors in (1) specifying ethical behavior expected, (2) establishing principles that guide ethical behavior, (3) serving as an ethical guide in constructing a professional course of action, and (4) serving as the basis for processing alleged Code violations.
iGREET_M1L2_Ethical Decision Model (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide walks through a model of five steps in ethical decision making.
iGREET_M1L2_Principals of Ethics (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains the six primary principles that guide professional ethics when making decisions in the work of Employer Engagement: Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Justice, Fidelity and Veracit.
Module 1, Lesson 3
iGREET_M1L3_How Good are your Listening Skills (from Mind Tools) Download PDF
This test will help you consider how good your listening skills are and how to improve your listening skills moving forward.
iGREET_M1L3_Listening-Skills-Self-Assessment Download PDF
This self-evaluation tool will help you to be more aware of your listening habits, those you can be happy about and those you might want to reshape.
iGREET_M1L3_Business Terminology Examples (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains a list of terms that will help get you started in your learning about the language of business including language for hiring and industry-specific language.
Module 1, Lesson 4
iGREET_M1L4_Medical Supply Co. (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: When introducing yourself to a Human Resources Manager at a medical supply company, discuss what you would do during that first introduction.
iGREET_M1L4_Employer Mapping (Field Work Assignment) Download PDF
This mapping exercise is one source of Agency Business Engagement LMI. It can help you begin to look for a wider range of potential businesses and organizations to approach as part of your business engagement efforts.
iGREET_M1L4_Employer objections and responses (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide provides a list of possible employer objections, responses, and strategies to prepare you for when employers have concerns about hiring job seekers with disabilities.
iGREET_M1L4_The Career Index TCI_plus Intro Download PDF
This resource provides an introduction to the Career Index Plus (TCI+): a career information system that collects Labor Market Information from a host of resources and deposits it onto a single, user-friendly site.
Module 2, Lesson 1
iGREET M2L1_ Claudia and Internal LMI (case scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for Discussion: Consider how an Employer Engagement Representative might approach making a connection with a new employer when a coworker mentions an office supply company opening a branch nearby.
Module 2, Lesson 2
iGREET M2L2 Camilla and Acme (case scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for Discussion: Camilla, a former client, asks you for advice and support in handling a training issue at work as well as how to address some upcoming medical needs. Participants will use their knowledge of employment laws to help support Camilla and her employer.
iGREET M2L2_Sample Quiz Download PDF
This sample quiz includes some questions on the “back pocket” information that is covered in this lesson. This resource is provided as an example of what you can create for your staff to identify and practice what they know.
iGREET_M2L2_Claudia and First Meeting (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for Discussion: In the first meeting with an employer, the employer mentions the need for some staff training. This scenario will help you to consider what training and services your agency offers.
iGREET M2L2: iGREET Back pocket Employment Law Overview Download PDF
This includes a general summary of employment-related laws as well as an area for you to add state-specific guidelines and laws that employers should be aware of.
iGREET_M2L2_Employers Practical Guide to Reasonable Accommodations Download PDF
This resource summarizes the most frequent issues that employers have regarding accommodations and ADA compliance and describes the Job Accommodation Network's (JAN) practical ideas for resolving them.
iGREET_M2L2_ADA (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a major civil rights legislation for people with disabilities.
iGREET_M2L2_DOL 14c of FLSA Factsheet Download PDF
This fact sheet provides general information concerning the application of section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
iGREET_M2L2_DOL Child Labor Law Factsheet Download PDF
This Fact Sheet provides general information about the Federal youth employment provisions applicable to nonagricultural occupations.
iGREET_M2L2_DOL FMLA Factsheet Download PDF
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides job-protected leave from work for family and medical reasons. This fact sheet explains FMLA benefits and protections.
iGREET_M2L2_Workers Comp (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains Workers’ Compensation, which is insurance funded through employer contributions which provides benefits to injured workers and liability insurance and protection for employers.
iGREET_M2L2_Wage and Hour (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains Wage and Hour Laws, which are standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and youth employment.
iGREET_M2L2_WOTC (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC), the federal tax credit that is available to employers if they hire individuals from specific targeted groups who are considered to have significant barriers to employment.
iGREET_M2L2_CIE (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains the relevance and components of Competitive Integrated Employment.
iGREET_M2L2_Title V (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains Title V, which covers insurance issues, explains the relationship between the ADA and other, previously existing laws, and defines explicit restrictions against retaliation or coercion against anyone with a disability who exerts their civil rights.
Module 2, Lesson 3
iGREET_M2L3_Handout_5Cs PDF (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains the 5-C’s of partnership development (contact, connection, communication, coordination, and collaboration), in order to identify where you are in the process, what to watch for, and how to plan strategically for advancing relationships.
iGREET_M2L3_Handout_VR Partnerships Agency Descriptions PDF Download PDF
This resource describes VR partnerships with Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), American Job Centers (AJCs), Community Colleges, Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs), and Industry and Trade Associations.
iGREET_M2L3_Handout_Governors Guide Prompting Employment for PwD Download PDF
This guide supports state and local governments in adopting and implementing inclusive policies and best practices that lead to increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and a stronger, more inclusive American workforce and economy.
iGREET_M2L3_Elements of Trust_Zenger and Folkman HBR PDF Download PDF
This research found three behaviors that form the foundation of trust: Positive Relationships, Good Judgment, and Consistency and that leaders don't have to be perfect in all three to be successful—they simply need to be above average.
Module 2, Lesson 3 (Part 2) - Partnerships with Contracted Agencies
iGREET_M2 Bonus: Harriet, CRP, and Employer_ Case Scenario Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: consider how an employer engagement representative should move forward when an employer has concerns about the placement of visual cue cards around the worksite.
iGREET_M2 Bonus Lesson_Business Engagement Partnerships: VR and CRPs Download PDF
This fact sheet summarizes discussions and presentations from a forum held in December 2016. In addition, it reviews issues and strategies involved in the VR–CRP partnership for business engagement and employer support.
iGREET_M2 Bonus Lesson_Article: Cross-System Partnerships Download PDF
New Approaches to Customized Employment: Enhancing Cross-Systems Partnerships (Salon, et al), 2018, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
iGREET_M2 Bonus Lesson_Explore VR_CRPs White Paper Download PDF
This document summarizes discussions and presentations from a forum held in December 2016, and reviews some issues and strategies involved in the VR–CRP partnership for business engagement and employer support.
iGREET_M2 Bonus Lesson_Types of Contracts with VR Download PDF
This resource outlines the characteristics, pros, and cons of Community Rehabilitation Partner (CRP) contracts for (1) outcome/milestone, (2) fee for service, and (3) assigned CRP staff types.
Module 2, Lesson 4
iGREET_M2,L4_Ethics of Business Recognition (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: You've partnered with Smith's Garden Center for several years, who have successfully employed several individuals with disabilities and strive to create an inclusive workplace. Consider how you would go about honoring them at an upcoming Chamber of Commerce meeting.
iGREET_M2,L4_Handout_Iowa Reverse Job Fair Guide PDF Download PDF
This resource is a “How-To” guide in organizing a reverse job fair.
Module 3, Lesson 1
iGREET_M3,L1_Ethical Dilemma_Ag-association Meeting (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: You are invited to an agriculturally based trade association meeting by a colleague from the workforce center. You have heard that the association president is a manager at a local feed store who has a reputation for not fostering an inclusive workplace. You worry that maybe your involvement would reflect badly on your agency and wouldn't benefit the agency's clients. What should you do?
iGREET_M3,L1_Identifying Industry Sectors (Field Work Activity) Download PDF
In this Field Work Activity you will consider: What are the top five industry growth sectors in your area? What do you know about them? What are the businesses within identified sectors in your area? What are the range of jobs in these businesses and sectors?
iGREET_M3,L1_Employer Mapping Exercise Download PDF
This mapping exercise is one source of Agency Business Engagement LMI. This activity is designed to help users look for a wider range of potential businesses/organizations to approach for as part of business engagement efforts.
iGREET_M3,L1_Explore VR_Hidden Gems, Using Agency Business Relations LMI as Part of Your Labor Market Strategy Download PDF
This article provides an overview of the need, sources, development, and use of agency business relations LMI, which is information gathered formally or informally from your sources on the ground and connected to the business community.
iGREET_M3,L1_LMI for VR Counseling (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide explains potential sources of LMI, how to identify trends within labor market data, and how understanding LMI may help VR counselors increase successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
iGREET_M3,L1_LMI Overview (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This iGREET Quick Guide offers an overview of Labor Market Information for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
iGREET_M3,L1_IBP Instructions and Content Download PDF
This resource outlines the steps for creating an individualized business plan, including conducting a needs analysis, creating a proposal, and responding to changes and challenges.
Module 3, Lesson 2
IGREET M3, L2: IBP Guide Download PDF
This resource developed by ICI explains the use of as well as a step by step explanation of how to develop an Individualized Business Plan (IBP)
iGREET_M3,L2_Example IBP_North River Printing Download PDF
This resource provides an example of an IBP for North River Printing, a small business that provides design and printing services with positions in billing and accounting, customer service representatives, printer operators, graphic design, and customer account managers.
iGREET_M3,L2_Identifying Workplace Cultures (Field Work Activity) Download PDF
This Field Work Activity asks you to consider different cultures in your business community and what steps you can take to factor that individuality into your employer engagement approach.
Module 3, Lesson 3
iGREET_M3,L3_Video Economic Downturn (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: after watching this video, discuss what support VR could provide when a major employer experiences a mass layoff with a ripple effect in your area.
iGREET_M3,L3_Wildfire Destruction (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: consider what to do when Spring Valley Accounting offices were burned in a wildfire and the employer calls you because someone you helped place there is not able to access the temporary offices in her wheelchair.
Module 4, Lesson 1
iGREET_M4,L1_Module 4 Key Terms (Quick Guide) Download PDF
iGREET_M4,L1_CIE Handouts Download PDF
This handout reviews the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Rehabilitation Services Evaluations for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). These forms are used to determine whether a job seeker’s particular employment situation meets the criteria for competitive integrated employment, on a case-by-case basis, alongside DVR Counselors.
iGREET_M4,L1_Elements of Trust_Zenger and Folkman HBR (Located in M2L3) Download PDF
This research found three behaviors that form the foundation of trust: Positive Relationships, Good Judgment, and Consistency and that leaders don't have to be perfect in all three to be successful—they simply need to be above average.
Module 4, Lesson 2
iGREET_M4,L2_CE & Craft Store (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: You are thinking about a customized position as a solution to help keep a business sales floor organized. How would you propose this business solution and answer the employer’ questions and concerns?
iGREET_M4,L2: Perspectives of Employers on Customized Employment (LEAD Center brief) Download PDF
This information brief provides the results of six focus groups conducted in 2015 under ODEP’s Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP). The purpose of the focus groups was to garner the perspective of employers of various sizes, sectors, and locations who had hired individuals with disabilities into customized jobs within the past year.
iGREET M4,L2: The Essential Elements Of Customized Employment For Universal Application Download PDF
This document was developed through a network of partners in order to identify the essential elements of customized employment (CE) as a guide for the universal application of these elements across service delivery and training providers.
Module 4, Lesson 3
WBL Resources:
iGREET_M4,L3_PE and the Warehouse (Case Scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: This scenario demonstrates how a team approach can lead you to employer connections, and how Progressive Employment can open doors for employment opportunities.
iGREET M4L3_ OJT Agreement example - Blank Copy Calif Download PDF
This sample letter of agreement about on-the-job training is an example of how the California Department of Rehabilitation and an employer agree to enter into an On-the-Job Training (OJT) Agreement to provide on-the-job training to a trainee.
iGREET M4L3_ Sample Flyer on OJT from WA State Download PDF
This sample flyer from WA State describes what OJT is, how it works, and how it benefits business.
Progressive Employment Resources:
iGREET M4L3_ ICI Progressive Empl factsheet Download PDF
This fact sheet provides resources, ways that your agency can benefit from Progressive Employment (PE), and reviews PE, which provides an integrated approach to addressing the needs of the “dual customer”: job seekers with disabilities and businesses.
iGREET M4L3_ ICI Scale up PE factsheet Download PDF
This resource covers the 4 component parts of the Scale-Up PE model and describes how VR agencies can work with ICI to develop a customized PE implementation plan based on a self-assessment and operational needs.
iGREET M4L3_ Journal of VR_ PE as dual customer model_ article Download PDF
This paper describes the evolution of Progressive Employment (PE) in Vermont and aims to define the key features and critical components of PE as a distinct model of dual customer service delivery. Findings suggest that PE approach has promise as an effective dual customer model, especially for job seekers with little or no successful work experience. Salient elements of the model and replication considerations are discussed.
iGREET M4L3: Progressive Employment: What We Offer (ICI resource) Download PDF
This ICI resource describes the PE model, the employment outcomes, resources, and how to learn more.
Module 4, Lesson 4
Career Pathways Resources:
iGREET M4L4_ Identifying Maker Spaces (fieldwork) Download PDF
In this field work activity you explore what types of maker spaces are in your area including spaces within schools, adult education programs, or community programs that may have workshops and spaces that are open to the public.
iGREET M4L4_Legislation related to Career Pathways (Quick Guide) Download PDF
This Quick Guide reviews 7 pieces of legislation related to apprenticeship and career pathways including the ADA, IDEA, Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, WIOA, Perkins V, CARES, and the EEO.
iGREET M4L4_ CareerTech_CareerClustersPathways Download PDF
This resource lists several examples of various career options that fall into 16 different career categories or clusters ranging from agriculture to transportation and everything in between.
Apprenticeship Resources:
iGREET M4L4_ Apprenticeship as an EE Option (case scenario) Download PDF
Scenario for discussion: Consider what your first steps would be to connect with an employer about a manufacturing apprenticeship program in a rural area, when the employer has some concerns about their capacity to train and the registration process.
iGREET M4L4_ DOL Apprenticeship_Fact_Sheet Download PDF
This fact sheet describes what an apprenticeship is, provides examples of apprenticeships offered in multiple industries, reviews the benefits of apprenticeship to businesses and career seekers, covers the steps to getting the process started, and includes resources to learn more.
iGREET M4L4_ DOL_ Advancing RA for PwD factsheet Download PDF
This fact sheet describes apprenticeships as a way to advance opportunities, reviews the role of the DOL Offices of Apprenticeship, describes the Apprenticeship Inclusion Models Demonstration Project, discusses equal employment opportunity within apprenticeship and includes resources to learn more.
iGREET M4L4_ ExploreVR_ Pre Apprenticeship factsheet Download PDF
This Explore VR fact sheet covers what pre-apprenticeship is, the difference between pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship, what organizations commonly lead pre-apprenticeship programs, who are potential key partners, steps to identify partners, possible funding sources, and a framework with the key components of pre-apprenticeship programs.
iGREET M4L4_ ExploreVR_ Step-by-Step Apprenticeship Guide Download PDF
This Step-by-Step guide to implementing apprenticeship programs helps you to consider how to access, identify, build, evaluate, strategize, implement, and improve apprenticeships in developing paid work experience programs.
iGREET M4L4_ Workforce System & RA Alignment Resource Download PDF
This resource from the American Institutes for Research offers background on the registered apprenticeship and workforce systems, dimensions of apprenticeship and workforce systems alignment, strategies to strengthen alignment, resources, and a system alignment checklist.
Video link: https://fast.wistia.com/embed/channel/u1oob9kxfb
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