Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Project Lead
Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Project Lead
Written questions are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on December 10, 2007
The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development is seeking a highly qualified and competent contractor to serve as the Project Lead for the states Disability Program Navigator Initiative.
The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative was launched in 2002 as a joint effort of the US Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Its primary objective is to increase the linkage between employers and individuals with disabilities by enhancing the connection between employers and Workforce Development Boards through JobLink Career Centers. This collaboration among USDOL, SSA, North Carolinas Workforce Development Boards, and JobLink Career Center partners will facilitate access to programs and services that will enable the entry or re-entry into the workforce of people with disabilities. Navigators will assist JobLink Career Center staff in obtaining and demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and skills to assist individuals with disabilities to "navigate" through available programs and services. Navigators will also work to improve career advancement of job seekers with disabilities and increase linkage to the business community. North Carolina received a U.S. Department of Labor Disability Navigator Grant this year with an ending date of April 30, 2009. To coordinate the activities of local Navigators and provide administrative duties connected to the grant, a Project Lead will be designated for the Division of Workforce Development. The Project Lead will be responsible for implementing the operations of the DPN Initiative and performing advanced consultative, training, and technical assistance work. The Project Lead will provide the necessary training to local Navigators, Workforce Development Boards and JobLink Career Center staff on assisting employers in hiring individuals with disabilities and on the availability of assistive technologies. The Project Lead will be the central point of contact for local Navigators and will consolidate local reports for reporting to the U. S. Department of Labor.
