Offender Employment Program Services

The vendor is required to provide comprehensive career and employment services through case management and one-to-one vocational services, that will assist residents of city who have current and previous involvement (within 12 months) with the criminal justice system to successfully participate in the labor market.
- Client-centered case management services:
• Conduct comprehensive assessments: evaluate each participant’s needs, goals, and barriers to employment. develop a detailed service plan to assess their stability and readiness for work. 
• Establish employment goals: collaborate with participants to define relevant employment objectives and create a customized service plan outlining the steps required to achieve them. 
• Provide ongoing support: monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and proactively address emerging barriers as participants work toward their employment goals.
- Specialized career and employment services:
• Case management and career planning: provide comprehensive case management services, starting with assessments to identify each participant’s strengths, interests, and goals. individualized service plans are developed to align with employment or training objectives. 
• Leverage virtual reality tools to explore career options and uncover transferable skills.
• One-to-one learning and job search support: provide personalized coaching sessions focused on job search strategies, resume and cover letter development, and interview preparation. 
• Guidance to navigate the hidden job market and better understand labor market trends. 
• Help participants create online profiles, completing job applications, and developing effective networking skills. 
• Offer group based and individualized employability sessions that are tailored to participant needs and goals. 
• Barrier reduction and employment readiness support: ensure regular communication and check-ins to help participants stay engaged, build confidence, and identify clear next steps toward employment or education. 
• Where needed, provide financial and logistical supports to support participants to obtain certifications, personal identification, work gear, or transportation, key elements that enhance their readiness for employment.
- Employer partnerships:
• Workplace tours: provide opportunities for participants to see work environments, learn about the duties and responsibilities of specific industries or jobs and ask questions that help the participant to assess their fit to a particular role. 
• Job shadowing opportunities: coordinate short-term job shadowing experiences with local businesses to give participants hands-on exposure to various occupations and workplace environments. 
• Job carving: work with employers to create roles that match both the employer’s needs and the job seeker's abilities, in circumstances where the participant has a limited range of skills. 
• Employer support: offer ongoing support for employers and new hires, including on-boarding assistance, task analysis, and help resolving workplace challenges.
- Collaboration with local service providers:
• Enhance service coordination: facilitate seamless referrals and shared service planning to address participants’ diverse needs, including housing, mental health, addictions, childcare, and financial supports. 
• Leverage community expertise: work alongside specialized providers to deliver complementary programming and workshops that enrich the participant experience and improve employment outcomes. 
• Strengthen community networks: participate in local inter-agency committees and working groups to stay informed of emerging trends, share best practices, and advocate for integrated service delivery.
- Contract Period/Term: 1 year