32 Miss. Code. R. § 22-3.11.6 - WIA Employability Skills Training Program

The Employability Skills Training (EST) Program is a service designed to assist VR counselors in placing clients in competitive employment. This program is funded by grants from the WIA. The purpose of the WIA funded program is to prepare youth for entry into the labor force. An individual may be eligible for the program if he/she is economically disadvantaged and a youth between the ages of 16 and 22 years.

Referral Process

To receive services from the EST program, an individual must be determined eligible for VR services must meet WIA eligibility criteria, and must demonstrate potential for entry into a competitive work situation. Counselors should refer any individual to the program who meets the age requirements and is a high school dropout, an individual who has completed high school, or any individual not currently receiving educational services that needs assistance with preparing for entry into employment. A referral should be initiated by case staffing between the EST counselor and the referring VR counselor. Required documentation for eligibility will be discussed at the time of referral. {A list of specific documents required for referral will be provided to counselors when the WIA provides instructions regarding documentation of eligibility.}

Services Provided

Eligible youth who are assessed as needing any one or all of the following required program elements may be provided those services by the MDRS EST Program or suitable arrangements may be made with other service providers to ensure that the participant obtains them:

* Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies

* Alternative secondary school services, as appropriate

* Summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to academic and occupational learning

* Internships and job shadowing

* Occupational skill training, as appropriate

* Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging personal responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours, as appropriate

* Supportive services

* Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months

* Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate

* Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate

Notes

32 Miss. Code. R. § 22-3.11.6