Chris Dewhurst Email & Phone Number

Responsible for providing technical assistance, monitoring, leadership and professional development to Colorado school districts regarding the transition of secondary students with disabilities to post-school options that include employment and post-secondary education. Responsible for inter-agency coordination, serving on committees to represent interests of the department, and furthering Colorado's post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities.

Responsible for daily operation of full service workforce office. Responsible for the leadership, oversight and monitoring of state and federal programs operated on a local level that included all Workforce Investment Act programs, Governor's Summer Job Hunt, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Wagner-Peyser employment services, Veterans Services, Business Services Team, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families – Workforce Development. Implemented federal, state and local programs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Developed and monitored yearly budget. Responsible for setting workforce center priorities and policies that range from targeted employment sectors to programmatic processes. Coordinated and collaborated with community partners, secondary education, institutions of higher education, economic development and health and human services. Conducted routine program monitoring to ensure compliance with various local, state, and federal laws, policy and guidance. Conducted hiring, evaluation, coaching and discipline of employees.

Administration of a statewide program to provide layoff transition services to employers and employees going through a layoff. Responsibilities included provision of technical assistance and guidance to statewide workforce regions regarding program implementation through both written and verbal communications, including written policy, guidelines and reports, outreach to employer community, and the facilitation of workshops to impacted groups.

Provided training and technical assistance to Workforce Center staff regarding disability related topics that included the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), assistive technology, specific disabilities, reasonable accommodations, community partner and disability related services, disability etiquette, and coordination of services. In addition, provided direct service to individuals with disabilities to register for services, conduct job search, preparing resumes, interview techniques, disability disclosure, and referrals to community agencies and partners.

Provided case management, job seeking skills training, job development, job placement and job coaching to at-risk youth with mild to moderate disabilities ranging in age from 16 to 24. Gathered and managed necessary paperwork for the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that included sensitive and confidential information. Coordinated services with the school district, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and community agencies. Assisted in grant writing, yearly program budgeting and monthly budget review.

Provided case management, job seeking skills training, job development, job placement and job coaching to at-risk youth with mild to moderate disabilities ranging in age from 16 to 24. Gathered and managed necessary paperwork for the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that included sensitive and confidential information. Coordinated services with the school district, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and community agencies.