Notes and Resources

This page contains notes and resources from our Training session. Below is your Top 10 list of things you could do differently in your job. Scroll down for a copy of the PowerPoint with the addition of some of your ideas. I also made electronic versions of a few of the charts/graphics I drew on flip charts for you.

Please be sure to check out the materials for the other class, too. There are sample activities that you could use with customers and their PowerPoint is slightly different because they had different notes on what makes for a "good" assessment process.

Top 10 List Of Things to Do Differently At Work For Assessment

1. Look at ways to make Orientation easier and more understandable for customers.

2. Use language that customers understand (no jargon, focus on career planning).

3. Communicate about what it takes to prepare for any assessments, such as the TABE.

4. Ensure that there is a consistent message about assessment processes and information.

5. Communicate with supervisors about what you've learned and recommendations for improvement.

6. Ensure that you enter all assessment information into the computer system so that other staff have a complete understanding of what's been gathered.

7. Respect all customers.

8. Be positive with customers.

9. Explain the impact of the TABE on customer's options.

10. Have an organized list of information and a checklist of steps at your desk to share with customers.

Your Bonus List (the items that didn't make the Top 10)

11. Stop periodically and ask if the customer has questions about what's being explained.

12. Improve case load management skills to make time for assessment activities.

13. Ensure that there are regular communications with counselors (memos, meetings) to update on changes.

14. Create an interactive activity for customers to be used during Orientation.

15. Re-arrange office furniture so that customer is next to you, rather than across the desk.

16. Take customer to an office and introduce them to others, rather than just sending them to another department.

17. Give more compliments and encouragement to customers.

18. Have fewer discussions about own personal business in office, especially around customers.

19. Improve staff punctuality to appointments.

20. Better utilize the survey information collected during the Job Search class.

21. Research possibility of conducting group orientations, including checking with other counties.