"Workin' It Out" Soft Skills Training

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WHO?
The 10-session Makin' It Work program targets ex-offenders in transition from various correctional environments (prison, jail, residential re-entry, probation/parole) to community and the world of work.

WHY?
The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 6.9 million people were on probation, in jail or prison at the end of 2003. At least 95% of all State prisoners will be released from prison at some point, and 67.5% will be rearrested within 3 years. Long-term employment in a job earning a living wage is the single greatest deterrent to recidivism, but many ex-offenders are poorly prepared with the prosocial attitudes and interpersonal skills employers demand. As a result many quit or are fired from otherwise good job placements, even though they may have the vocational or technical skills to succeed.

WHAT?
Through structured guided group discussion, benign confrontation, targeted role plays, and thought-provoking stories and activities, the Makin' It Work program challenges ex-offenders to examine how their own attitudes and perceptions have justified a tendency toward harmful or illegal behaviors. Participants then explore the hidden code of conduct employers expect good workers to understand, and practice valuable new communication and problem solving skills to handle difficult situations (such as dealing with criticism and expressing complaints) in an appropriate, professional manner.

Want information about becoming a certified instructor?  Click here to see our schedule and download a registration form.

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"Makin' It Work" targets ex-offenders in transition from corrections to the community and the workplace.  It helps them understand their own self-defeating "thinking traps" and gain insights into employer expectations in the workplace.  It them teaches interpersonal skills needed to handle difficult workplace situations in a professional manner.

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"Makin' It Work" (MiW) is now available. To use this program, instructors must be certified as Makin' It Work trainers by:
1. Completing a 3-day MiW Training of Trainers onsite with a group of 10-24 staff; or
2. Completing a 2.5-day regional "Workin' It Out" (WIO) Training of Trainers plus a 4-hour MiW cross-training.

Previously certified WIO trainers may simply complete a 4 hour cross training to be certified to deliver the "Makin' It Work" program for ex-offenders. For details, email Dr. Parese at SBParese@aol.com or call (336) 593-3533.