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Drug-Free Workforce Promising Practice
"In our first year we engaged 17 contract agencies in developing their prevention services, and we trained over 150 line services staff in Stages of Change Theory and Motivational Interviewing Skills. Virtually 100 percent of our trainees reported that their skill and knowledge to intervene in substance abuse problems increased. That’s a solid start!"
-Chris O’Neill
Manager
Workdrugfree
Workdrugfree strives to improve health and productivity by reducing substance abuse in the workforce through the establishment of collaborative relationships with employers, unions, workforce development agencies, treatment agencies and public schools. Funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Workdrugfree promotes workforce substance abuse prevention activities across the state. The organization is an employer service of Worksystems, Inc., the Oregon WIA Region 2 Agency that contracts with 17 local service providers to deliver workforce development services.
In August 2001, Workdrugfree convened a Stakeholder Substance Abuse Task Group to address substance abuse as a barrier to employment success. Participants included representatives from workforce development agencies, youth programs, public schools and Worksystems, Inc. administrators. The Task Group concluded that every contracting service provider should offer substance abuse prevention services incorporating the following elements:
- A written substance abuse policy prohibiting the use, possession, sale, purchase or being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug while on contractor premises or in connection with any contractor activity or program, as well as clear penalties for violations of the policy;
- Optional drug-testing policy (following WIA guidelines);
- Opportunities for workforce development line staff to learn Stages of Change Theory and Motivational Interviewing skills to enable them to more effectively intervene in participant performance or conduct problems, including substance abuse and mental health issues;
- Referral resources, including assessment/evaluation, recommendations for treatment and support services for participants in early recovery; and
- Orientation of program participants to employer substance abuse policies, educational opportunities on employer drug-free workplace expectations and drug-free workplace signage.
A 2003 goal was to increase referrals between the workforce development and substance abuse treatment systems. Also, using county and Worksystems, Inc. performance data, Workdrugfree is working to identify improved employment outcomes for participants who are referred, and this data analysis may provide foundation for establishing Workdrugfree’s model as an evidence-based strategy that can be replicated in other locations across the country. Scientific protocols are being used for data collection and analysis.
Workdrugfree’s strategic partners include the Oregon Small Business Development Center network, Oregon Department of Education, Multnomah Count, Portland State University, Serenity Lane Treatment Center, Portland Community College and the 17 workforce development service providers in the Portland metropolitan area.
Want to learn more?
Chris O’Neill
Manger, Workdrugfree
Phone: (541) 344-1232
E-mail: coneill@workdrugfree.org
Internet: www.workdrugfree.org
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