Welcome to ERN Kentucky

Opioids and the Workplace

Kentucky is in the process of developing Employer Resource Networks® throughout the Commonwealth. This innovative model to workforce development aims to blend the efforts of business, social service and workforce development agencies to support all employees, but particularly low-wage and entry-level employees, with job retention services, work supports, education, and training.

Kentucky ERN also aims to connect employers with resources and tools to help understand and address issues related to substance use disorder (SUD) and/or opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly supporting Kentuckians in recovery. Kentucky ERN is part of a larger SUD/OUD employment program known as the Strategic Initiative for Transformational Employment (SITE) being implemented by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP).

The opioid epidemic has had a tremendous impact on the Commonwealth in many areas, including employment. Businesses and employers not only face issues related to substance use in the workplace, but hiring and retaining employees impacted by SUD/OUD. ERNs can be a tool to help employers work through these issues, network with other employers in their communities, and to empower the employer community by providing information, resources, and know-how to overcome barriers to success.

The Local Lens (KY RHIO)

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

The Local Lens Podcast (KY RHIO) featuring the EKCEP-SITE Program. Tesa Turner-Special Populations Project Manager, Barbara Gay-Special Populations Assistant Manager, and Brittany Kegley-Job Entry and Retention Support Specialist/ Kentucky Employer Resource Network Lead Success Coach are interviewed.

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What Are ERNs?

Employer Resource Networks® are private-public consortia whose purpose is improved workforce retention through employee support and training

The key ERN® innovations are:

business engagement
cross-sector collaboration among employers
human services and educators
workplace-based employee success coaching (case management)
real-time referrals to community resources

ERN® stakeholders include:

small to mid-sized companies
public human services and workforce development
private non-profits
community colleges and vocational training organizations
local, regional and national foundations and United Ways

Why ERNs?

ERNs® improve communities in a variety of ways:

employers retain an engaged and skilled workforce
public agencies and nonprofits get better outcomes from programs that advance economic independence
community colleges add students and build closer ties to area businesses

ERNs® are a value proposition to all stakeholders. Their outcomes include:

employee retention rates of 90%-98%
average employer ROI of 500%
increased employee engagement
improved company culture
informal regional human resource networks
decreased employee reliance on public assistance
increased family financial stability

How Do We Do It?

ERN® Programs help employees access social service and training programs that support employment.

ERNs® partner with local government, non-profits and private employers to offer the best resources available

ERNs® network with other Employer Resource Networks® (ERNs) across the country who share best practices and ideas.

The Success Coach can confidentially help employees:

improve employment skills
overcome personal barriers
prepare for advancement opportunities

ERNs® coordinate with community organizations to offer training opportunities such as:

Basic computer skills
Computer applications
Financial management and budgeting
Diversity education
Credit repair and foreclosure prevention
Affordable family nutrition
English as a second language (ESL)
Leadership and problem solving
Math proficiency
GED classes
Health and wellness
Free income tax preparation

What Are ERNs?

Employer Resource Networks® are private-public consortia whose purpose is improved workforce retention through employee support and training

The key ERN® innovations are:

business engagement
cross-sector collaboration among employers
human services and educators
workplace-based employee success coaching (case management)
real-time referrals to community resources

ERN® stakeholders include:

small to mid-sized companies
public human services and workforce development
private non-profits
community colleges and vocational training organizations
local, regional and national foundations and United Ways

Why ERNs?

ERNs® improve communities in a variety of ways:

employers retain an engaged and skilled workforce
public agencies and nonprofits get better outcomes from programs that advance economic independence
community colleges add students and build closer ties to area businesses

ERNs® are a value proposition to all stakeholders. Their outcomes include:

employee retention rates of 90%-98%
average employer ROI of 500%
increased employee engagement
improved company culture
informal regional human resource networks
decreased employee reliance on public assistance
increased family financial stability

How Do We Do It?

ERN® Programs help employees access social service and training programs that support employment.

ERNs® partner with local government, non-profits and private employers to offer the best resources available

ERNs® network with other Employer Resource Networks® (ERNs) across the country who share best practices and ideas.

The Success Coach can confidentially help employees:

improve employment skills
overcome personal barriers
prepare for advancement opportunities

ERNs® coordinate with community organizations to offer training opportunities such as:

Basic computer skills
Computer applications
Financial management and budgeting
Diversity education
Credit repair and foreclosure prevention
Affordable family nutrition
English as a second language (ESL)
Leadership and problem solving
Math proficiency
GED classes
Health and wellness
Free income tax preparation

Welcome to ERN Kentucky

Opioids and the Workplace

The Local Lens (KY RHIO)

Employer Resource Networks® are private-public consortia whose purpose is improved workforce retention through employee support and training

The key ERN® innovations are:

ERN® stakeholders include:

ERNs® improve communities in a variety of ways:

ERNs® are a value proposition to all stakeholders. Their outcomes include:

ERN® Programs help employees access social service and training programs that support employment.

ERNs® partner with local government, non-profits and private employers to offer the best resources available

ERNs® network with other Employer Resource Networks® (ERNs) across the country who share best practices and ideas.

The Success Coach can confidentially help employees:

ERNs® coordinate with community organizations to offer training opportunities such as:

Employer Resource Networks® are private-public consortia whose purpose is improved workforce retention through employee support and training

The key ERN® innovations are:

ERN® stakeholders include:

ERNs® improve communities in a variety of ways:

ERNs® are a value proposition to all stakeholders. Their outcomes include:

ERN® Programs help employees access social service and training programs that support employment.

ERNs® partner with local government, non-profits and private employers to offer the best resources available

ERNs® network with other Employer Resource Networks® (ERNs) across the country who share best practices and ideas.

The Success Coach can confidentially help employees:

ERNs® coordinate with community organizations to offer training opportunities such as:

Partners

ERN-USA National News

ERN USA Peer Learning Conference: Growing Stronger Together

March 29-30, 2023

ERN USA Employers, Administrators, Success Coaches, Partners, Funders and Researchers - join us for networking, new tools, research, peer learning, and best practice sharing as we Grow Stronger Together. Registration now open!

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