11
PartnershipsPartnershipsandand
CollaborationCollaboration
Strategic Service Delivery ComponentDisability Employment Initiative
The following chart highlights the core elements associated with this service delivery component and includes the names of the states that will be implementing this approach:
Access the following link to learn what each DEI project proposed in their statement of work around this component: http://dei-ideas.org/chapter2-1/page8a_pandc.cfm
Collaboration is….
A mutually beneficial relationship which involves people from different sectors of the community joining together to achieve a common goal.
Involves joint planning and shared resources, funding & accountability.
Occurs through shared understanding of issues, open communication, mutual trust & tolerance of differing points of view.
The most intensive level of partnership.
Collaboration is not …
Co-location of two or more service providers in the same office, without effective integration of programs/services
One person’s design or strategy
Compromise or consensus
Simply a one-way or two-way information exchange (nor does it imply supervision)
Fostering Systems Collaboration
Communication: Meet with leaders of local organizations & listen for shared goals
Building Trust: Invite persons with disabilities & providers to One-Stop workshops, tours, orientations & assistive technology demonstrations
Participation: Represent One-Stop’s commitment to collaboration by participating in other events, networking groups & consumer advisory councils
Establishing Partnerships – State Level
Office of Workforce Investment/ Workforce Commission
Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Labor Social Security
Administration Department of Education Department of
Transportation Housing and Urban
Development
State Medicaid Office Dept of Health & Human
Services Governor’s Commission o
People with Disabilities Advocacy Organizations Faith-based & Community -
based Organizations Disability Program
Navigators Disability Resource
Coordinators Individuals with Disabilities
Establishing Partnerships – Local Level
Independent Living Center(s) Community Work Incentives
Coordinator (CWIC) Adult Literacy Programs Community Colleges -
Offices for Students with Disabilities
Veterans Counselors Older Workers Programs Employment Networks Community-Based Providers
(Job Developers, Job Coaches, Service Coordinators, etc.)
TANF Counselors
Local Workforce Investment Board Executive Staff
Representative from the Business Sector
One-Stop Career Center Director, Manager, WIA Counselor & Business Service Staff
Vocational Rehabilitation Commission for the Blind &
Visually-Impaired Commission for the Deaf &
Hard-of-Hearing Department of Mental Health Department of Mental
Retardation
Possible Roadblocks to Collaboration
Lack of relationship building & trust
Lack of common interest & values
Lack of purpose, mission & goals
Lack of leadership
Lack of communication; unclear about each other’s roles
Lack of resources & time
The fear of loss of position, power & resources
Lack of an investment culture-we don't always think about the future (we are here & now focused, crisis oriented)
The Role of DRCs
Competencies needed to Establish Effective Partnerships: Ability to analyze needs of customers and workforce
system
Knowledge of potential partners and their organizations/services
Ability to negotiate and communicate
Ability to share decision making
Ability to develop performance measures
Benefits of Strategic Partnerships
Leverage strengths
Share responsibility
Gain competencies
Increase potential for innovation
Enhance competency sets
Increase organizational visibility
References
Virginia Commonwealth University (2005). Developing Collaborative Community Partnershipshttp://www.worksupport.com/research/viewContent.cfm/489
Butterworth, J., Foley, S., & Metzel, D. (2001). Developing interagency agreements: Four questions to consider. The Institute Brief, 11(1). Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston. http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=14
Rick Dove, (1998) Collaboration: Are More Heads Better? Paradigm Shift Internationalhttp://www.parshift.com/Essays/essay047.htm