Student Training And Employment Program (STEP)

The County of Riverside Purchasing and Fleet Services Department, on behalf of the Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions, Workforce Development Division (HWS WDD), invites eligible respondents to submit a proposal more specifically described below. The California Department of Rehabilitation, in coordination with the Foundation for California Community Colleges, granted HWS WDD federal funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title IV Vocational and Rehabilitation funds to implement the Student Training and Employment Program (STEP). The funding opportunity represents a continued commitment to support projects that provide work experience; job preparation training; job exploration and postsecondary enrollment counseling; and self-advocacy training for students with disabilities (Target Customers) throughout Riverside County. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is specifically for HWS WDD to procure one or more eligible and qualified organization(s) to administer, implement, and oversee the STEP grant. STEP grant funding will support the provision of job preparation training, job exploration, workplace readiness, skills training, and work-based learning experiences, as well as job exploration counseling, postsecondary enrollment counseling and self-advocacy training for students (ages 16 to 21) with disabilities. HWS WDD aims to continue providing meaningful assistance to students with disabilities by engaging them in workforce development activities that support their transition to employment. Following is a summary of HWS WDD’s key expectations and guiding principles related to this RFP. (1) Partnership –Partnerships are an important component of the STEP grant. One of the aims for this funding is to build strong partnerships among key stakeholders who support individuals with disabilities. (2) Recruitment – Work with partner agencies to recruit students ages 16-21 who are in school and have a disability. These agencies include but are not limited to Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and HWS Workforce Development Division. (3) Eligibility and Suitability Assessment – An evaluation to determine if an individual meets the program criteria and fittingness. (4) Enrollment – Enroll eligible and suitable customers into STEP by completing required hardcopy and electronic forms. (5) Job Development – Work with partnering agencies and entities in the service area to provide job readiness and work experience for participants to be exposed to the labor market and gain experience and skills. (6) Employment Assistance – Provide services that provide work experience; job preparation training, job exploration and post-secondary enrollment counseling; and self-advocacy training. (7) Case Management – Provide case management services to assist customers with a range of funded or leveraged activities based on the stated needs of the participants. (8) Record Keeping and Reporting – Maintain complete and accurate customer records, up-to-date data, and provide consistent reports to HWS WDD as required on a timely basis.