Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities is a government entity. Learn more at www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mopd.html.
Introductory Conversations and Assessment
How organizations conduct initial needs assessment with employers, introduce workforce development in general as well as their own organization’s programs, and gauge whether an employer could benefit from workforce development programs.
Learning About Employers' Needs
- There are introductory meetings (in person or virtual) to learn about employer hiring needs, culture, and processes.
- MOPD keeps ongoing communication with employers to stay updated on job openings.
- Employers share job postings directly with the Career Center on a regular basis.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Your Organization
- Employers are informed about MOPD’s mission, values, and services during introductory meetings or site visits, and services during introductory meetings or site visits, as well as a presentation.
- Employers are introduced to the concept of inclusive hiring and the role of MOPD in providing prepared and qualified candidates.
- An overview is provided to explain MOPD services and capabilities.
- Disability Awareness Training is offered to highlight inclusive practices.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
- Employers are evaluated based on alignment with the MOPD’s goals and their commitment to inclusive hiring practices.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Establishing Employer Relationships
Ways that organizations follow up or otherwise build relationships with potential employer partners. How do organizations keep employers’ interest and stay top of mind, despite how busy they may be?
Following Up via Phone and/or Email
- MOPD executes regular follow-ups with employers after referrals are sent, including status updates on interviews and placements
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Employer Visits to Service Provider Locations
- Employers are invited to visit the Career Center of MOPD to better understand services, resources, and job seekers’ qualifications
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
- Site visits to employer locations are conducted to understand operations and build relationships.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
- The Career Center, a service of MOPD, partners with employers to find qualified candidates, providing tailored support and training while organizing and attending job fairs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Metrics and Financial Factors
How organizations collect and share information about expected outcomes and potential financial rewards and incentives.
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
- A database is used to document job seekers’ interviews, placements, and referrals.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Organizational Level Considerations
How organizations are set up to build partnerships with employers, and how they leverage relationships with other organizations for better outcomes.
Organizational Structure, Resourcing, and Staffing
- Employer-facing roles include:
- Program Director for the Career Center: Oversees employer relationships and partnerships.
- Career Placement Counselors: Work directly with jobseekers to find and retain employment.
- American Sign Language Interpreter: Provides interpreting for those who use ASL.
- Benefits Counselor: Helps job seekers understand SSI/SSDI impacts.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Collaborating with Other Organizations
- MOPD collaborates with community organizations to provide additional job opportunities and support.
- The organization partners with other organizations to exchange insights on employer engagement, validate practices, and explore program development ideas, such as community hiring initiatives.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
Handling Objections from Employers
- Objections (e.g., concerns about hiring individuals with disabilities) are addressed through education and offering Disability Awareness Training.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Challenges
- Employers have different levels of understanding and experience supporting jobseekers with disabilities.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lauren Hooberman in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
