CONSULTING
Cygnet Associates has conducted more than 70 national and local technical assistance projects to improve program performance and achieve a wide range of practical goals, such as:
Cygnet Associates has conducted more than 70 national and local technical assistance projects to improve program performance and achieve a wide range of practical goals, such as:
- Improving participants' job placement and retention
- Increasing outcomes of youth employment programs
- Improving work activity participation rates in TANF welfare-to-work programs
- Recruiting clients for national demonstration projects
- Devising client-flow management systems for "one-stop" centers
- Achieving federally mandated performance standards
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance and training can be provided at one or more sites in a region to assist them in making changes in their procedures or services to improve performance, efficiency and effectiveness.
The most thorough strategy starts by uncovering and identifying hidden issues at every level of program implementation and administration that impede performance. Practical recommendations are then made that will increase participation. Staff training is then customized based on the recommendations.
Depending on the size of the system and the number of sites, Cygnet Associates can send a team of up to three professionals to analyze the current system at the ground level to identify performance problems. Often staff believes that the problem is with the motivation of the client. However, Cygnet Associates principals have found that the program design, the message, the client-staff interactions all contribute to low performance.
The Cygnet Associates site visit reveals the systems, procedures, policies, materials and information, and implementation practices that may be directly and negatively impacting recruitment, participation, job placement and/or retention.
Technical assistance and training can be provided at one or more sites in a region to assist them in making changes in their procedures or services to improve performance, efficiency and effectiveness.
The most thorough strategy starts by uncovering and identifying hidden issues at every level of program implementation and administration that impede performance. Practical recommendations are then made that will increase participation. Staff training is then customized based on the recommendations.
Depending on the size of the system and the number of sites, Cygnet Associates can send a team of up to three professionals to analyze the current system at the ground level to identify performance problems. Often staff believes that the problem is with the motivation of the client. However, Cygnet Associates principals have found that the program design, the message, the client-staff interactions all contribute to low performance.
The Cygnet Associates site visit reveals the systems, procedures, policies, materials and information, and implementation practices that may be directly and negatively impacting recruitment, participation, job placement and/or retention.
Training
Following analysis, training is developed to share the issues, solutions, and strategies for implementation. The client chooses the duration of the training and target audience for participation, with recommendations by Cygnet Associates. Participating staff have the opportunity to learn first-hand about findings, specific examples, and discuss recommendations and strategies for improvement. Staff training will also include specific tools and strategies for increasing the participation and motivation of recipients.
Following analysis, training is developed to share the issues, solutions, and strategies for implementation. The client chooses the duration of the training and target audience for participation, with recommendations by Cygnet Associates. Participating staff have the opportunity to learn first-hand about findings, specific examples, and discuss recommendations and strategies for improvement. Staff training will also include specific tools and strategies for increasing the participation and motivation of recipients.
Written Report and Tools for Change
Findings and recommendations can be presented in a written report. The scope of the report focuses on practical recommendations that impact performance. It is particularly useful in guiding and ensuring implementation of the full scope of recommendations. It can also be used as a reference for managers and supervisors as they implement strategies and manage their staff.
Findings and recommendations can be presented in a written report. The scope of the report focuses on practical recommendations that impact performance. It is particularly useful in guiding and ensuring implementation of the full scope of recommendations. It can also be used as a reference for managers and supervisors as they implement strategies and manage their staff.
Targeted Follow-Up
Follow up provides an opportunity to ensure strategies are deployed as intended, that the results address problem areas, and to tweak and refine strategies to maximize results. It also provides an opportunity to provide support and feedback to those who are implementing the recommendations.
Follow up focuses on only the problem areas uncovered during initial analysis and for which solutions were recommended. During the six months following training, Cygnet Associates is available to staff by phone and e-mail to guide and counsel on implementation issues and strategies.
Follow up provides an opportunity to ensure strategies are deployed as intended, that the results address problem areas, and to tweak and refine strategies to maximize results. It also provides an opportunity to provide support and feedback to those who are implementing the recommendations.
Follow up focuses on only the problem areas uncovered during initial analysis and for which solutions were recommended. During the six months following training, Cygnet Associates is available to staff by phone and e-mail to guide and counsel on implementation issues and strategies.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Program or System Needs