Introduction
Wisconsin has 11 Navigators to cover the 11 Workforce Development Areas. Each Navigator covers all the Job Centers in their areas.
In addition, we have a couple of targeted group Navigators that include, SE Asian, Native Americans and TANF population.
Hired at the local level, with the exception of the Native American contact, all Navigators are contracted with the Workforce Development Boards. Each area varies, some are supervised and employed by the WDB. Two are co-supervised by IL Centers, One by a CBO, one is a state employee.
Getting Started:
Here are some ideas from other Wisconsin Navigators on how to get started:
- I call all of the supervisors in each unit at the job center and attended each unit's weekly staff meeting where I did a brief presentation about the DPN program. I also emailed my referral form and flyer to everyone in the building. Former Wisconsin Navigator, Jennifer Price.
- Our centers have management team meetings. My supervisor had me attend one for each center so the top layer at least knew who I was and had some background on the program. That information does not always trickle down and I then attended some of the individual agency staff meetings. And then one on one with DVR because that was I felt I really needed develop some linkages. Former Wisconsin Navigator, Karen Engel.
- One of the things we try to do at the state level is to create a situation where the Navigator is the go to person. Examples include delivery of Offender training, employer events… In the future, if you are at a meeting and staff are looking for something in particular–give me or Theresa a call and perhaps we can get it for you. Additionally, it is important to develop a relationship with both front line staff and their supervisors. This includes DVR, Job Service etc — and look for ways that you can be a resource for each other. Glenn Olsen, Wisconsin Disability Program Navigator Director.
- I had a meeting with all the different partners in the building, as well as sharing the "Navigator in a Nutshell" and my flier that is available in the Job Center. Marci Barr-Hayden, Wisconsin Disability Navigator.
Connect:
Staying connected to what is going on with other Wisconsin Navigators is a great way to keep up with what's happening statewide and have great ideas and resources at your fingertips. All of the navigators are required to participate in planned monthly conference calls and quarterly meetings. Here are just a few other ways to get connected.
Wisconsin Navigator List: Find a list of all of the Wisconsin Navigators.
DPN Mentor Program: If you are new to the Navigator Program, one of the first things that will happen is you will be assigned a seasoned Wisconsin Navigator to mentor you and be your resource guide. Find out more about the Wisconsin Mentoring Initiative.
Navigator Newsletter: One of the communication tools used to share current Navigator news, training events, resources and other pertinent information is the Navigator Newsletter. This newsletter is written and published by the Wisconsin Training and Technical Assistance Resource Center contact Theresa Kulow (kulow@eri-wi.org). Content ideas can be forwarded to Theresa by email at any time. This newsletter is also shared with Workforce Development Directors, Navigator Supervisors, and other program partners and collaborators. If you would like to add an individual to the list, email their contact information to Theresa Kulow (kulow@eri-wi.org). Past editions of the newsletter can be found on the Navigator Resources webpage.
Resources:
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