Case managers can use assessments as a tool to help a participant determine what is the best course of action to becoming employed.  Assessments will assist the case manager and participant in setting goals using the participant's employment goals, educational abilities, job skills and past employment history, to decide employment possibilities and/or training needs.

DESE ASSESSMENT CENTERS

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) contract states that upon referral by DFS, DESE will make arrangements for Temporary Assistance recipients to receive a core package of career assessment services.

Individuals will be referred for assessment on their readiness for:

• obtaining/retaining a job,
• obtaining/retaining a job using transferable skills,
• obtaining employment, 
• training/schooling, and/or
• other issues determined by the case manager.

DESE will also provide technical assistance to local DFS staff on an as needed basis to help in the completion of referral forms, or the understanding of assessment procedures and assessment summary.  It is recommended that all staff who make referrals visit their local assessment center and walk through the assessment process.  By understanding the process, case managers can better explain to participants what they can expect.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

If after an assessment, vocational training is chosen as part of the employment goals, skilled training dollars may be used.  We want to encourage staff to take advantage of the skilled training dollars when it is advantageous to the participant.  The school must be DESE approved.  A guide is available listing all DESE approved schools and programs that the school offers.  This guide can be found at Workforce Development offices, One Stop Centers or at the following website:

http:/K12.DESE.STATE.MO.US/WEBAPPS/JTPA/MENU.ASP (select public access.)

The guide at the website will be the most up-to-date listing, and it includes information about the DESE-6.

It is recognized nationally that education/training in combination with work experience increases the ability of an individual to be self-sufficient.  If a participant is in an educational component and working, they may receive supportive services in both components. 

Attached is a listing of the DESE assessment centers throughout the state.  Refer to Memorandum IM-150, 1999, for making referrals and how to process the DESE-6.  Contact Debbie Bower at 573/751-9488 with questions.

Use the local Vocational Assessment Referral Form to make referrals to the DESE Assessment Centers.

 

Contact local DESE staff to develop a local plan for referring participants for assessments.

 

Locate a DESE Guide of DESE approved schools and programs at Workforce Development offices, One Stop Centers or the DESE website.

 

Use assessment information to help devise a Self Sufficiency Plan with Temporary Assistance participants.