How to Select A Provider
Before the Interview:
- Request a list of providers from your case manager or intake worker.
- Call and schedule an appointment with each provider of interest.
- Make a list of interview questions, and identify critical or priority questions.
- Invite a support person or note taker (recorder) to accompany you to the interview.
After the Interview:
- Organize information following the interview and compare results.
- Call DDSD State Quality Assurance for additional agency information.
- Decide which provider will best meet your needs.
- Call the case manager and let him/her know the service provider selected, and have him/her coordinate the pre-plan meeting with the agency.
- Write a note to the programs that you didn't select and let them know why they lost your business.
Suggested Interview Questions:
- What types of services does your agency offer?
- What procedures do you follow regarding emergency situations? (health and safety) (Ask to see a copy of the written procedures)
- How would you describe the role of the customer in supported employment?
- How long should the customer anticipate waiting before getting a job? And what do they do until they get a job?
- What is your program's position on career development?
- What is your process for withdrawing vocational services that are prescribed?
- Have you excluded people with significant disabilities from your program? If so why?
- Describe how you present your program to a prospective employer?
- May I see a copy of your marketing materials?
- How many employment specialists does your agency employ?
- What is your customer to staff ratio?
- What is the average length of employment for your staff, ie, job coaches, floor staff, etc?
- Do the majority of your customers have part- time or full- time employment?
- What are the average weekly earnings of your customers? Does the program maximize the earnings?
- What types of jobs have you assisted customer's in finding?
- The jobs that you find, are they based on customer's choice?
- How does your program assist customers with Social Security issues?
- Do customers choose their employment specialists?
- How do you assess customer satisfaction? Do you have any data?
- How has your program performed on DDSD evaluations?
- What kind of training does your employment staff have?
- Will I have input into the vocational assessment and plan?
- If needed, would you be willing to interview with us at our home?
- What volunteer jobs do people with your agency presently have?
- Do you provide training for employers, employees or family members?
- When you are doing job development will you provide transportation for the individual, if necessary?
- Describe some of the factors you consider when matching an employment site and the individual?
- What kind of activities will you do with the individual to better acquaint yourself with them?
- What will our communication look like?
