Work Group Guide
Work Group Purpose
Six issue-specific Work Groups are established, one for each of the Gateways goals outlined in the strategic plan. The purpose of each Work Group is to implement the proposed activities listed under each of the Gateways goals.
Work Group Role
The six Work Groups expand the number of Gateways partners and provide additional "voices" with expertise and/or experience in each of the strategic plan goal areas. The Work Group members represent other entities or groups that address issues associated with the strategic plan goals. Work Group members use their expertise and existing affiliations to assist with the implementation, execution, and evaluation of the proposed activities for each goal.
Work Group Membership
Each Work Group will consist of at least one person with a disability, at least one member of the Steering Committee, and at least four other individuals, representing a variety of different agencies, organizations, or businesses who are interested in promoting and achieving the Gateways goal.
Meetings
The Work Groups will meet every one to two months, or as deemed necessary, and will provide progress reports to the Steering Committee every two months at the Steering Committee's regularly scheduled meetings. Meetings will typically be scheduled for two hours. Video and teleconferencing may be utilized.
Work Group members are expected to attend and participate in at least 2/3 of the scheduled Work Group meetings. If a member is unable to attend and would like to send a designee, a request should be made to Gateways Staff.
Responsibilities & Expectations
Work Group members should expect to be engaged in, but not limited to, the following activities:
- Review Gateways: West Virginia's Comprehensive Employment System (CES);
- Become familiar with the Work Group description, expected outcomes and activities;
- Assist with the development of benchmarks, timelines, and identification of persons responsible for proposed activities;
- Collaborate with Gateways staff and stakeholders to implement the proposed activities;
- Develop reports at least every two months for the Steering Committee, summarizing the activities of the Work Group;
- Evaluate results of activities utilizing Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA); and
- Modify activities as necessary to achieve expected outcomes.
Gateways staff will:
- Organize and assist with all meetings;
- Provide minutes of the meetings;
- Provide support and resources to the members to achieve the goals of the Work Group.
Communication
Meeting notices and correspondence will be mailed to Work Group members. Information about the Work Group activities will also be shared with Steering Committee members by means of a listserv. The listserv will also serve as a conduit for members to communicate with one another about relevant resources, issues and activities.
Jack Stewart, Program Manager
Phone: (304) 293-4692
This publication was funded by the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant To Support the Competitive Employment of People with Disabilities, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - CFDA # 93.768. The lead agency is the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. This program is managed by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED).
