Job Discovery

Job Discovery A. Job Discovery includes, but is not limited to, the following types of person-centered services: 1. Face-to-face interviews that include a review of current and previous supports and services; 2. Assisting the person with volunteerism, self-determination, and self-advocacy; 3. Identifying support needs; 4. Developing a plan for achieving integrated employment; 5. Job exploration; 6. Job shadowing; 7. Internships; 8. Employment (informational) seeking skills; 9. Current labor market; 10. Interviewing skills; 11. Job and task analysis activities; 12. Job negotiation; 13. Employment preparation (e.g., resume development, work procedures, soft skills); 14. Business plan development for self-employment; and 15. Environmental and work culture assessments. B. Job Discovery must include: 1. Contact with the Community Work Incentives Coordinators at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services to determine the impact of income on benefits. 2. Facilitation of a meeting held prior to discovery with the person and family/friends as appropriate, which describes the job discovery process and its ultimate outcome of securing a community job for the job seeker. 3. Referral to Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. 4. Visit(s) to the person’s home (if invited; if not, another location) for the purposes of gaining information about routines, hobbies, family supports, activities, and other areas related to a person’s living situation. 5. Observation of the neighborhood/areas/local community near the person’s home to determine nearby employment, services, transportation, sidewalks, and other safety concerns. 6. Interviews with two to three (2-3) people, both paid and not paid to deliver services, who know the person well and are generally active in the person’s life. 7. Observations of the person as they participate in typical life activities outside of their home. At least one (1) observation is required. 8. Participation with the person as they participate in typical life activities outside the home. At least two (2) activities are required. 9. Participation in a familiar activity in which the person is comfortable and most competent. At least one (1) activity is required. 10. Participation in a new activity in which the person is interested in participating but has never had the opportunity to do so. At least one (1) activity is required. 11. Review of existing records and documents. 12. Development of discovery notes, Discovery Logs, and photos along with collecting other information that will be useful in development of the individual Discovery Profile. 13. Development of a person-centered, strength-based Discovery Profile. 14. Development of an employment/career plan. C. Job Discovery is intended to be time-limited; it cannot exceed 30 hours of service over a three (3) month period. D. Individual employees must receive or participate in Customized Employment training before providing Job Discovery Services. Job Discovery staff must complete Customized Employment training prior to providing Job Discovery services through one of the following: 1. Marc Gold and Associates; 2. Griffin Hammis; 3. Relias (courses approved by DMH); or 4. Other DMH authorized training. E. People who are currently employed or who are receiving Supported Employment Services cannot receive Job Discovery Services. F. A Person can receive Prevocational Services and Day Services-Adult, but not at the same time of day as Job Discovery Services. G. People eligible for Job Discovery include: 1. Someone who is an adult (age 18 and older) and has never worked. 2. Someone less than 22 years of age; must have documentation in their Plan of Services and Supports to indicate they have received either a diploma, GED equivalent, certificate of completion, or otherwise not receiving school services. 3. Someone who has previously had two (2) or more unsuccessful employment placements. 4. Someone who has had a significant change in life situation/support needs that directly affects their ability to maintain a job. 5. Someone with multiple disabilities who cannot represent themselves without assistance and who has not been previously successful in obtaining community employment.