Description

Employers do not need to develop and maintain expertise in all aspects of workforce development to effectively support their frontline workers. Drawing on the strengths of partners, like community-based organizations, education and training providers, and workforce investment boards, is an effective use of resources and demonstrates collaboration and a desire for collective impact. In these strategic partnerships, healthcare systems can concentrate on what they do best, and outside organizations can serve their community in support of their missions. Strong industry partnerships can facilitate relationship building among partners and leverage resources to address shared challenges and goals.

Process

When selecting partners, develop an assessment process to determine which organizations have the capacity, expertise, and ability to deliver quality service. Build relationships with potential partner organizations to determine if that organization is a good fit for your system. Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a memorandum of understanding or contract. Explicitly articulate how programs and services will be funded.

External partnerships can be particularly helpful to provide the following services:

• Outreach to job candidates in specific communities or populations.
• Pre-screening assessments to ensure candidates meet minimum requirements.
• Connections to other services that promote work readiness, such as smoking cessation, basic literacy, or GED attainment programs.
• Pre-employment training, both for soft skills and for job-related competencies.
• Wrap-around supports, including transportation assistance, access to child care, mental health services, elder care, etc.
• Other services and support, like continuing education and training, onsite job coaching, financial literacy, and basic computer and technology training.