Assessment is the first critical phase because it helps to map a pathway to the end point — employment.

Assessments are individualized in order to be able to identify the strengths of the client, and the areas of need to assist the clients in meeting their goals. The combination of these phases, along with other important information from other assessments, gives clients a better chance to achieve the overall goal to overcome the recidivism of the past.

Most risk/need assessments currently being offered in the jail system are not focused on future employment or education. STEP can enhance employment opportunities by also collaborating in offering assessments focused on gaining employment through testing, completing vocational training, and/or completing their education by:

• Education Assessment Counseling:
  Provides a personalized review and analysis of an individual’s situation and potential for employment. Identifies education gaps, social/cultural issues, and other barriers to successful transition into the community. Provides a roadmap with defined deliverables and timelines that the individual must follow to continue with our programs.
• Educational/Literacy Assessment Plan:
  Along with the Educational/Vocational Assessment, we will gather information about the strengths and needs in the area of literacy that is geared to the adult learner. The interview begins the process of data gathering and will help to identify the types of assessments needed. Assessments will include both standardized and informal measurements. Standardized assessments are normed for adults, and informal assessments have face validity so that they are not off-putting to the test takers.

STEP As An Organization

Is committed to staying up-to-date on best practices and organizational research to determine how best to continuously improve organizational operations through the integration of Lean concepts, including the use of PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) for operations evaluation and improvement.