Member Services

PEI concentrates its efforts in assisting individuals accomplish self-sufficiency by incorporating a comprehensive program design. PEI addresses personal and professional barriers that prevent individuals from gaining and maintaining employment. This is achieved through individualized:

• Assessments

• Coaching and Case Management

• Resource Development

• Employability Skills Preparation

• Occupational Training and Certification

• Employment Placement Assistance

• Post Placement Follow-up Support

• Advocacy

Business Services

PEI works to assist employers in remaining competitive industries in the current economy. Our support of the local business community include solutions in such areas as:

• Targeted Candidate Recruitment

• Pre-Screening, Pre-employment Training Services, and Referral

• Post Placement Consultation and Follow-up Services

• Identification of Resources (i.e. employer tax credits, low cost bonding, low cost insurance options)

• Professional Development and Training of Incumbent Workforce

Training Services

PEI is licensed by the State of Michigan, Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) / Proprietary School Division. PEI offers occupational training for unemployed adults and incumbent workers in the following Customer Service fields:

• Administrative Office Support - Candidates successfully completing the required 180 contact hours receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to test for the industry recognized Microsoft Office Specialist credential.

• Retail Sales and Support – Candidates successfully completing this 90 contact hour National Retail Federation 4approve curricula receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to test and earn National Professional Certification in Customer Service®5 by passing the computer-based Customer Service Assessment and successfully applying for certification.

Family Coaching / Case Management

The PEI Coach has two distinctive roles: One is to assure the quality, accessibility, and appropriateness of services to participants; and the second is to is to provide personal support to program participants. The PEI Coach acts as an advocate, referral source and supportive friend throughout the journey toward self sufficiency. Coaches work collaboratively with the member to identify barriers to assess their situation, define goals, identify barriers to self sufficiency, develop strategies to overcome barriers, measure progress and remain on "track." Family Coaches have contact with the member once a week and for our more stable members, once per month.

Dinner Club

Twice a month PEI families are provided transportation to attend PEI’s bi-weekly Dinner Club. Dinner Club is a social event aimed at facilitating community involvement, reducing isolation, developing social support networks and facilitating peer to peer mentoring.

Job Readiness Training

The Job Readiness Class is an 80 hour mandatory component of the PEI program. The Job Readiness curriculum was developed by local employers and places an emphasis on "soft skills" such as punctuality, attendance, appearance, and the development of a "work ethic." Local employers are invited to serve as guest speakers and tours of local businesses are incorporated into the training program. Job search, interviewing, basic computer and resume development skills are taught through an interactive computer software program administered by Wayne State University.

Other Services

PEI also offers a 80 contact hour Computer Basics course designed to prepare individuals for the The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³)6 exam and certification. Training is FREE of charge for individuals eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) – Training services. Please Contact PEI staff or your local Michigan Works Agency for WIA Individual Training Account requirements.

Referrals

Members requiring services not provided by PEI receive a referral from their Employment Coach or Family Coach to the appropriate service provider. Whenever possible, PEI attempts to establish formal referral relationships with service providers. The Coach will assist in facilitating the referral through a referral letter or even accompanying the member to his/her appointment.