Innovation and Expansion - Employment First

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) announces this Notice of Contract Opportunity (NCO) – Innovation and Expansion Program - Employment First to establish, expand or improve employment opportunities and career pathways for persons with disabilities.

Funding for this competitive contract is under the auspices of the New Jersey DVRS, which will serve as administrator and fiscal agent for the funds awarded. In addition to accepting general innovative proposals that expand and/or improve vocational rehabilitation services, DVRS has included priority areas chosen for this Notice of Contract Opportunity (NCO).

Services and activities are to include:

• Outreach to employers including assessment of their labor needs;
• Fostering a network of businesses and community resources who can champion the employment of people with disabilities;
• Provide education and information for employers on the benefits of including qualified people with disabilities in their workforce.
• Raise awareness about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, working closely with private industry to dispel myths associated with the cost of hiring individuals with disabilities;
• Place qualified individuals with disabilities referred from DVRS offices to available employment opportunities.
• Follow-up to the referral process;
• When necessary, facilitation of dialogue around the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accommodation issues with employers and consumers;
• Intake and assessment of the DVRS clients;
• Coordinating the organization of events centered around marketing, job development and placement;
• Coordination with the DVRS and other community resources to provide consumers with other related supports as needed.

The vendor will utilize the funds under this contract in the following ways:

• Partner with the Workforce Development Board - Special Abilities Committee - for a minimum of four meetings throughout the year with new employers to foster the continued involvement of area employers and facilitate the hiring of people with most significant disabilities.
• Awareness Training Sessions - Plan a minimum of two presentations for Employment Committee meetings that will impact disability and employment market awareness.
• Job Fairs and Other Employment Events – Sponsor at least one Job Fair and support other job fairs and similar employment events.
• Job development and placement services – the grantee staff will assist clients to obtain competitive integrated employment in the setting of the client’s choice.
• Applicant matching and referral – provide consumers assistance with developing their job seeking and job readiness skills.

For more information about expectations and deliverables, see: https://www.nj.gov/labor/assets/PDFs/Grants/FY23/innovationexpansion_revised.pdf#page=4

Estimated Total Program Funding: