Project Description:
We aim to use the power of UGA's convening function to address employer hiring practices connected to workers in recovery and treatment for opioid use. Beginning with three distinct focus groups: 1) trade organizations, 2) state agency human resource personnel, and 3) recovery specialists with lived-experience, a blueprint for action will be developed for businesses in the High Demand Career Initiatives (HDCI) Program. The topics used in the focus groups will be centered on the discrete elements related to hiring policies and practices, including the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) connected to evidence-based practices, as well as enlisting Business Resource Groups (BRGs). BRGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that serve as a resource for members and their employers by fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, business practices and objectives. The resulting information and insights of the focus groups will be used to create tools and approaches that Georgia businesses can rely on to better support workers in the prevention and treatment of opioid use. The intention is to hire peer recovery specialists to staff the project. The resulting materials including tool kits, infographics, a web portal, and the ability to schedule trainings will be channeled through existing EAPs and ERPs. If an employer does not have these components, assistance will be provided to assist with their creation. Both large and small businesses will be included.
Goal # 1
Convene and solicit focus groups surrounding the experiences of employers recruiting, hiring, and retaining workers in recovery.
Objective One: Create focus group questions and protocols for each of the three HDCI industry sectors: construction, logistics, and healthcare.
Objective Two: Using plain language and recovery principles, enlist focus group participants from diverse backgrounds using virtual and in-person sessions.
Goal #2
Create toolkits, infographics, and a web portal for dissemination to chambers of commerce, trade groups, and unions related to best-practices in employment and recovery.
Objective One: Using information from the three focus groups, create draft materials for stakeholder feedback specific to trade role, business size, and geographic location.
Objective Two: Finalize materials for beta-testing with a protocol to include suggested edits and changes. Launch web portal.
Goals #3
Train stakeholders in using the materials, including developing branded templates for use in engaging local businesses around employment and recovery.
Objective One: Design training agendas with associated materials for use by trainers with lived-experience.
Objective Two: Gather data regarding use of training materials. Link the data regarding employment and recovery to the dashboard.
