What is an IRT?
An Integrated Resource Team (IRT) is a group of people who help a job seeker with disabilities make progress along their career journey. The goal of an IRT is to help this person earn a stable, sustainable wage and develop a long-term career.
An IRT can also help a person with disabilities overcome challenges that impact career goals and progress . They do this by helping the job seeker coordinate services and opportunities from different government and community-based organizations. This greatly improves career outcomes for people with disabilities.
Benefits of the IRT
- An IRT is a way to help job seekers with disabilities transition to successful careers.
- Many organizations can take a team approach towards the shared goal of helping job seekers with disabilities along their career path.
- Organizations can coordinate resources, funding, and expertise to solve challenges that could be keeping the young person from finding a job they desire.
- If the job seeker needs help, a Team Helper who the job seeker trusts can help lead the IRT.
- The IRT is a process that does not require any formal or official partnerships.
When is an IRT Used?
- When a job seeker with disabilities is ready to begin or improve their career. An IRT is not used when a job seeker is looking for a stop-gap job just to cover the bills.
- When the job seeker gives consent to share information between organizations or people who can be partners.
- When the job seeker needs help solving any challenges that limit their ability to find or maintain a good job.
- When the job seeker's basic needs are met.