Wisconsin's Mentoring Initiative
The Mentoring Initiative:
- Pairs new Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) with veteran/seasoned Navigators
- Matches veteran/seasoned DPNs having a particular expertise with a new Navigator seeking to become more knowledgeable in that topic
The Mentoring Relationship Assists New DPNs:
- Learn how to get started as a DPN
- Obtain information on disability-related topics
- Identify other resources and local partners that can help Navigators do their jobs
- Obtain advice (through a Navigator sounding board) on the DPN's role in the local One-Stop System.
- Obtain tips for time management and organization on the job
How to Get Involved with the Mentoring Initiative
Once a new DPN starts, Theresa Kulow, Training & Technical Assistance Center, will contact the new DPN. Theresa will match the new DPN to a veteran/seasoned DPN. She will give both parties contact information. The new DPN should initiate the mentoring relationship with a phone call to the veteran DPN within one week of receiving the contact information. The veteran DPN should inform Theresa about the first few contacts via email or telephone.
The mentoring relationship is a temporary relationship for the first few months of the job. The mentoring relationship will help the new DPN become part of the ongoing networking that already exists among Navigators. The veteran DPN will be available by phone and email for the first 3 months. The veteran DPN should schedule at least one day of job shadowing for the new DPN.
The new DPN should prepare for the mentoring relationship. Prior to the first contact with your mentor, write down at least three things you would like to achieve through mentoring. Rank the three items in order of importance to you. Do some homework in order to demonstrate initiative, leadership and self-reliance. Your mentor will help you with your goals, but do not rely solely on your mentor for all your questions.
This is not a one-way relationship. As a new DPN, feel free to explore what you have to offer the mentor. Wisconsin DPNs come from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and employment and the DPN project recognizes that everyone has something to offer and share with the other Navigators.
If the needs of the new DPN are not being met, he or she should discuss the matter with his or her mentor and/or Theresa. Terminating a mentoring relationship or switching to a different mentor is not a sign of failure.
Role of DPN Mentors:
- Explain the role of the DPN (Theresa will also provide role/responsibility information)
- Provide shadowing opportunities at your local job center
- Provide examples how to introduce DPN to job center staff and local partners
- Discuss ways to facilitate integration of the DPN initiative in job center (System Building)
- Address individual, program, and systems challenges
- Provide examples of direct service and systems change
- Share lessons learned
- Provide guidance on understanding/using Assistive Technology
- Offer peer support
- Listen
- Brainstorm
- Propose solutions to problems
- Provide specific knowledge on a particular topic
- Be available by phone or email
- Mentors do NOT provide supervision
- Mentors are NOT responsible for training new DPNs
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