Success Stories
Watch for a new Iowa Success Story to appear on this page each month:
Workplace Diversity in Action
Last summer IVRS and DNR began to explore customized training for individuals who had the potential to become skilled candidates for state employment. As a part of the program IVRS provided DNR hiring managers with pre-screened referrals and also acted as a consultant in the development of a training plan. The goal of the training was threefold: to teach the trainee specific skills of a job that would help them obtain employment; to help DNR develop a potential pool of qualified candidates; and to help IVRS rehabilitation counselors assess the trainee’s ability to perform certain work.
Monty South, an IVRS counselor who helped three people find opportunities at DNR through the new partnership said, “As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with IVRS, I have found our partnership with Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources to be extremely rewarding for the qualified clients we serve. The Customized Training partnership has helped with measuring my client’s soft skills, identifying vocational strengths and weaknesses, providing on-the-job skills training, and improving their confidence level to help maintain a suitable job. I think this partnership is a win-win-win for potential employees, IVRS, and DNR.”
Mary Davis was one of the first candidates referred to DNR. She started her training in a data entry position in the Landowner/Tenant Program last September and was hired as an employee with DNR’s AmeriCorps Program in January, 2009.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recognizes the benefit of working with IVRS in reaching their workforce goals. DNR Workforce Planning Coordinator, Jane Mild said, “A partnership with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services seemed to be advantageous to both the DNR and IVRS, but I really didn’t understand how valuable it would be to my programs. Through the support and guidance of IVRS counselors, DNR bureau supervisors completed the customized training agreements and the trainees began working.”
For more information on how IVRS can assist your organization by providing qualified candidates, customized training and consultation services for achieving diversity, please contact our Employment Partnership Consultant, Barb McClannahan at 515-281-0264.