Getting a Job? Taking One Step at a Time
Getting a Job? Taking One Step at a Time was developed for the
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) project sponsored by Oregon Council on
Developmental Disabilities (OCDD), Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition
(OSAC), and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). Through
discussions with Oregonians with disabilities and staff of OCDD and OSAC,
the peer employment curriculum, Getting a Job? Taking One Step at a
Time will be piloted in three Oregon communities starting in August 2016.
The P2P Mentoring project will develop leadership within the IDD
self-advocacy employment movement to be a voice for Employment First
activities occurring in communities across Oregon. While the primary focus
of the Getting a Job? trainings is as a vehicle to develop skills of local
Employment Peer Mentors, the class will also support up to 30 peers in
local communities to choose competitive integrated employment over other
service options. It is anticipated, that a small subset of highly motivated
peers will obtain employment. P2P is collaborating with local community
partner agencies to assure that peers have resources for their job search.
In addition, P2P is collaborating with OSAC to establish local peer networks
for employment.
Starting with a 3-hour introductory session, Getting a Job? Taking
One Step at a Time, will be open to 10 peers that have either expressed
interest in getting a job or are unsure. This introductory session will be
repeated two additional times in each community. This training will feature
Peer Mentors telling their stories, interactive exercises about fears about
going to work and why people work, and end with a brief assignment about
knowing yourself. At the completion of the training, participants will be
asked if they want to continue pursuing employment (and continuing the
class) or not. Those that want to continue will be invited to Session 2.
Building on Session 1, Employment Services will be offered in Month
2. During this session, peers will develop a poster of their skills and
interests. They will also learn basic information about employment services
from local community partner agencies. As in the first session, upon
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completing the training, participants will be asked if they want to continue
pursuing employment. Those that do will be invited to a final training in
Month 3. Also, at this time, P2P will select up to four peers that Peer
Mentors will support until they obtain a job. The selection will be based
upon peer initiative, follow-through, and established community
partnerships.
Later in Month 2 or early in Month 3, there will be a 4½ -hour training
called the Portrait of Competence. This will give an opportunity for 12
peers to get a more in depth profile and to brainstorm with employment
providers about jobs that fit their profile. Peers must bring at least one
community partner from their employment team to participate in the day.
The Portrait of Competence is a highly interactive series of exercises with
the peers leaving with a good picture of their job skills and possible jobs.
Month 3 will be the final month of structured training. The 2½ hourPlanning My Next Steps, will have two parts. The first hour will focus on
navigating the system and who and how to ask for help. The second part of
the training, Peer Mentors and Consultants will assist peers to develop
individual Action Plans for taking their next steps toward employment.
From Months 3-6, the 2 Peer Mentors and a Project Consultant will
meet monthly with the four selected peers pursuing employment. This may
be as a group or individually. Peer Mentors and selected peers may meet
more often depending on their schedules. From Month 7th forward, the
Peer Mentors will be working directly with the selected peers as needed.
For more information contact:
 Tara Asai – [email protected]
 Ryley Newport - [email protected]
 Dianne Turner – [email protected] (Eugene and Bend)
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Local Planning and Logistics for P2P
The success of the P2P project will be highly dependent on the
collaborative partnership of the local Employment First Team and the
community. We are seeking partnering agencies to assure that local Peer
Mentors from your communities are successful in supporting peers to
pursue employment.
Community Partner Agencies
 Includes the following in each community
o 1-2 VR Counselors:
o 1-2 Personal Agents:
o 1-2 Service Coordinators:
o 1 Benefits Planner:
o 2 Employment Providers:
o 1-2 Day or Sheltered Employment Services Provider (may be the
same as the Employment Provider:
 Participates in trainings as requested.
o Community Partners skit – Month 2 (3 -60 minute sessions)
o Portrait of Competence – Month 2 (4½ hours)
 Provides direct services to peers participating in P2P.
 Assists with recruiting peers for the trainings.
Host Agency and Venue (Contact Info:___________________________)
 Collaborative partnership to support the development of employment
peer mentorship in their community.
 Meeting space for peer trainings and consultation.
o 2 days /month of meeting space for up to 15 people for Months
1,2,3 starting in________________.
o 1 day in Month 2, of large meeting space to accommodate 20
people and 5 work stations with tables and chairs.
o 1 day/month of meeting space for 3-4 people for Months 4-6.
 AV equipment (optional but desirable): Laptop, LCD Projector, extension
cord as needed, Screen for trainings during Months 1-3.
 Access to coffee maker / hot water for beverages (optional but
desirable).
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