This workshop is delayed until further notice due to state budgetary issues.
What is WorkStrides?
WorkStrides is a career development program that has been successfully implemented by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DSHS/DVR). Now, the division does not have sufficient staff available to conduct these workshops on a regular basis. In order for DVR’s customers to continue to have an opportunity to take advantage of WorkStrides workshops, DVR is sponsoring training to community partners who wish to offer the program as a fee-for-service to VR and to your own customers as well. DVR will train community partners on how to facilitate the Work Strides curriculum in eight locations across the state.
The original WorkStrides curriculum was developed by Teresa Kutsch as a part of her Master's Thesis and was first implemented at the DVR office in Spokane. A development team, including Teresa, reworked her curriculum to bring in parts of Rehabilitation philosophy and career development principles.
The WorkStrides curriculum content includes:
The WorkStrides curriculum was developed by DVR based on principles from the Dependable Strengths process, which was pioneered by Dr. Bernard Haldane of the Harvard Business School and is based on the premise that every person has some form of excellence deep within him or her. The WorkStrides curriculum content utilizes:
group discussion and role play
activities and experiences of personal reflection, including
o self awareness
o self confidence
o self advocacy
o critical thinking
o decision making
story-telling as a learning tool
drawing and other kinesthetic activities
develop awareness of peronal strengths
research into local job and training opportunities
Preliminary Agenda
Outcomes from WorkStrides indicate that customers increase their level of self-sufficiency in 5 areas as measured by the Employment Readiness Scale: Career Decision-making, Skills Enhancement, Job Search, Job Maintenance, and Ongoing Career Mgmt. The program offers customers who live in relative isolation an opportunity to be with others in a meaningful way. They learn to team up and support one another, and to move beyond isolation in safe ways that inspire and encourage interaction, appropriate risk-taking, and growth.
What WorkStrides graduates say about the program:
“I realize now how important attitude is towards looking for a job. I didn’t realize how wrong I was doing it, but input from the class helped me immensely.” – Andrea
“This workshop really raised my self-esteem. I had lost my self-confidence to pursue my goals. Now I look at my strengths in black and white and I feel the conviction to go forward.” - Katherine
“My goals were too high, and I am more realistic now. I am more centered and focused on what I need to achieve. I feel like I have come out of a steel shell.” – James
"WorkStrides not only lets you see your own strengths but everyone else’s strengths, too. It helped me have a different outlook in dealing with my family. It’s really helped me move forward and not be stuck any more."
Who Should Attend?
VR partners such as employment specialists, job coaches, IL staff, CRP program staff, vocational service coordinators and community partners who wish to offer the program as a fee-for-service paid by VR. People who have disabilities or who are from minority communities are encouraged to register.
Course Requirements:
The three day train the trainer workshop will be offered in eight locations across the state. Sessions will be from 8:30 to 4:30 each day. Participants must attend all three days in order to receive a Certificate of Completion as a WorkStrides facilitator.
Content Information
Kathe Matrone matrok@u.washington.edu
Direct Line: 425 771-7436
Toll Free: 888 377-0100
Registration Information
Tammi Olson tammio@u.washington.edu
425 774-4446