# data[].attributes.body
Englert, P., Doczi, M., & Jackson, D. R. (2014). Needs-Based Assessment: A Model for Profiling, Assisting, and Empowering Job Seekers. Journal of Employment Counseling, 51(1), 31-43. doi:10.1002/j.2161-1920.2014.00039.x

Gray, H. M., Nelson, S. E., Shaffer, H. J., Stebbins, P., & Farina, A. R. (2017). How do homeless adults change their lives after completing an intensive job-skills program? A prospective study. Journal of Community Psychology, 45(7), 888-905.

# data[].attributes.body
Englert et.al. (2014) discusses an assessment tool that was created in New Zealand “assess job seekers’ capacity, willingness, and opportunity to find work” (p. 31).  This assessment is called the Needs-Based Assessment.  This assessment was developed in the hope it would help alleviate long term unemployment.  “A needs-based approach can only be achieved by a thorough assessment of a client on a variety of factors related to employment status (Englert et.al. (2014 p. 31).  “With respect to unemployment status, the model suggests that a person’s unemployment status can be attributed to three major factors:

• Capacity: How capable is a person to work? This construct captures a person’s

skills, qualifications, and experience, as well as less tangible capacities such

as confidence around finding work and successful task completion.

• Willingness: How willing is a person to work? For example, how selective are

people in their job search, what is their reservation wage (the amount of money

they will accept for work), and what is their general attitude toward work?

• Opportunity: What is the labor market like for a person in a particular geographical region and for particular roles? This construct captures the demand side of the unemployment status equation” (Englert et.al. (2014 p. 31).  Addressing these factors can help the job seeker work through the reasons they struggle to find and keep long term employment.

This process includes a self-assessment tool.  Job seekers are asked to input their own information into the computer system.  “Research suggests respondents are likely be more truthful about personal information when they enter it into a database themselves rather than revealing it to an official, thus minimizing the risk of false or misleading information being entered (Englert et.al. 2014 p. 37).  The self-assessment tool asks different questions regarding the person’s interests, likes, dislikes, job skills; allowing for a comprehensive output.

One of the biggest challenges when working with the homeless population is getting started with them.  Many people who are homeless may feel they are not worthy of help; approaching this population will be challenging.   Reaching out to a homeless person and letting them know you are sincere in your approach will be an asset to future interactions with them.

When looking at the theoretical approach to a homeless person seeking gainful employment, we must consider the homeless person might have a family.  The systems theory, at the most basic level, states that each person in the system has a role to play so the system works well.  When looking at the family system, a parent being out of work is an issue with making the system function the way it was intended.  When that parent can use these tools to gain employment, the system can move back into a rhythm that will allow the family to function better as a whole unit.

# data[].attributes.headline
Recommendations for effective career development services:

# data[].attributes.subject
Recommendations for effective career development services:

# data[].attributes.body
Gray et.al. (2017) states that one of the hardest things for the homeless population to do is find secure housing because of issues such as employment.  Gray et.al. (2017) goes on to further discuss a program called Moving Ahead Program (MAP), which was established in 1995 by the St. Francis House in Boston, Massachusetts.  This program was established in an effort to help homeless people be able to find gainful employment, among other things.  The services include a, Gray et.al. (2017), “14-week, 5-day-a-week interactive classroom-based model, MAP teaches employment skills (e.g., writing resumes, adhering to workplace protocols, presenting oneself during job interviews” (p. 888).  This program helps clients identify, pursue, and succeed in careers they find interesting.

A program that would allow a person who is homeless the opportunity to learn basic office skills is essential for job success.  When paired with access to basic amenities such as personal hygiene items and shower facilities, these tools will be keys to success for the homeless population.

A possible issue with the homeless population is the issue of possible substance abuse, health issues, issues with housing, and possible criminal justice involvement.  If a client I am working with has any of these issues, these are areas I would feel need to be addressed.  Once these areas are addressed and help is in place, the client will be able to focus on their career development.

One recommendation I would make when working with the homeless population is to help them with their interview skills as well as attire for the interview.  When the client feels good about how they look, they will feel better about their performance in the interview.  Money is an issue with finding appropriate clothes to wear to the interview but there are facilities and charities that will donate clothes to people who are in need.

# data[].attributes.body
Homelessness in the United States is a very real problem that many people face.   There are many areas where a homeless person may struggle; finding gainful employment can be at the top of the list.  Finding a job for a homeless person will open doors for them in areas they may not have had any opportunities previously.  We will discuss how to help a homeless person find employment as well as how to work with them to find what type of employment may work best for them.

# data[].attributes.body
St Francis House is helping people re-build their lives...one class at a time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 1984, St. Francis House has offered basic care and services that make the difference between hope and despair, and often between life and death.

# data[].attributes.body
This man was praying for a job when he saw a story on a local news station that changes his life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Homeless man lands job after receiving donated new suit for interview

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every day, people just want to get to work on time. The traffic. The noise. The rush. Brian Smith would've given anything to have been a part of it. Thanks to a donated new suit and a boost in confidence, he'll be back to work. Alex Cabrero brings you his story.

# data[].attributes.body
What if this was your brother, father, uncle...Take the time to take a look. For the price of your daily coffee, you could make a difference.