The following announcement by the Employment Practices Improvement Collaborative (EPIC) is posted below in an effort to bring our subscribers information about a new program that has the potential for reducing recidivism, and increasing public safety. Although these resources are available in Connecticut, other state might want to acquire them for their own reentry programs. The courses might also be adapted for use by inmates to help eliminate barriers to employment upon release.
EPIC Resources: A How-to For People With a Criminal Justice History
New Free On-line Resources help Job Seekers and more
The Employment Practices Improvement Collaborative (EPIC) free on-line courses are the newest resource for job seekers with barriers to employment including people who have spent time in the correctional system. These free, interactive, on-line classes were created for job seekers and the people who support them; counselors, employment specialists, family, C O’s, probation and parole workers, etc. (The resources are available by clicking on the link at the end of the article).
The courses cover a range of topics and abilities. The EPIC Soft Skills Course contains six modules; the Employability Training Course includes eight modules; and there are fourteen Simulations or interactive vignettes that teach a range of skills. Some titles are specifically targeted towards ex-offenders, people in recovery, job seekers with a spotty work history, and people with hidden disabilities. For facilitators, counselors and supporters there are resources that include an interactive facilitator’s guide, a downloadable PDF classroom guide and facilitator simulations. Some titles are specific to job seekers who have been incarcerated , such as “Job Search and Interview Skills for Former Offenders”, however all the materials were developed with the special needs and barriers of the formerly incarcerated in mind.
Additional EPIC projects of interest include the EPIC Team of Pardons Experts and the (Connecticut)211 Re-entry Directory. To assist with pardons, EPIC has provided training to professionals from around the state on how to help people convicted of crimes succeed in this often-difficult process. There is no charge. Trained professionals can be contacted. click here to go to website
Through EPIC, CT United Way 2-1-1 has launched a new online search engine to help people released from incarceration and those who work to support them, find the local resources they need as they enter the community.
click here to go to website
EPIC is funded through a federal grant to The Department of Social Services/Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) to identify and remove barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities. The EPIC project is managed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and operated by Career Resources, Inc. EPIC Software courses were developed by Access Technology Group, Inc. For additional information about these or other EPIC projects, call Linda Guillorn at 860-418-6732 or email linda.guillorn@ct.gov.
|
