For more information, please contact Lisa
Matrundola at 617
626-5283 or Email at
LMatrundola@detma.org.
The (Navigator) Initiative is a two
year demonstration project which is jointly funded by the Department of Labor
and the Social Security Administration. Massachusetts is 1 of 14 pilot states
for this DOL/SSA initiative. The program funds 15 Disability Program Navigator
positions statewide and is designed to help disabled jobseekers enter into the
One-Stop Career Center system. The Disability Program Navigators also provide
support to the Career Center staff on by providing ADA education and ensuring
equal access through the section 188 of the WIA
Navigators are responsible to provide seamless
and comprehensive services to persons with disabilities in One-Stop Career
Centers. Listed below are the primary responsibilities of the Navigator's:
- Provide education and training to one-stop career center staff on
disability programs, linkages and etiquette.
- Serve as a resource to the workforce investment community to ensure the
availability of comprehensive knowledge concerning Federal, State, local and
private programs that affect the ability of persons with disabilities to enter
and remain in the workforce.
- Serve as a resource on SSA�s work incentive and employment support
programs and the provision of services through Benefits Planning, Assistance
and Outreach organizations (BPAOs); through Protection and Advocacy systems
(P&As); and SSA�s employment-related demonstration projects.
- Increase employment and self-sufficiency for Social Security beneficiaries
and others with disabilities.
- Facilitate access to programs and services.
- Facilitate linkages to the employer community.
- Facilitate the transition of in- or out-of-school youth with disabilities
to secure employment and economic self-sufficiency.
- Conduct outreach to agencies and organizations that serve individuals with
disabilities.
- Expanded partner relationships (public) with:
- Mental Health Programs
- Mental Retardation / Developmental Disability Programs
- Independent Living Centers
- Medicaid
- BPAO
- Housing
- Transportation
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Other Mandated One-Stop Partners
- Expanded relationships with employers
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