IT’S NOT MY PROBLEM, OR IS IT?

March 2, 2023

written by Lesa Hefner, DRH Health Careers Advisor

Workforce development is a multifaceted term and looks a little different from each perspective in which it is viewed. It has driving
connections to education and social service sectors, to community and regional sectors, and to specific industries and businesses. The bottom
line is, workforce development does affect all of us. But what can I do?

For a young person, a major part workforce development means gaining “soft” skills or employability skills. Research from the National Soft Skills
Association reports that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills. Skills usually mentioned: teamwork/collaboration, communication-both written and oral, time management, interpersonal skills, flexibility, problem solving, innovation and strong work ethic, to name a few.

As an educator, I have spoken with business people in Duncan since my arrival in 2013 regarding expectations for young people in entry level jobs. Employers and department managers are all in agreement. If a person demonstrates solid employability skills, the technical skills, at least to some degree, can be taught.

I have always been keenly aware of my responsibility to prepare students for success in the workplace by focusing on employability skills. The truth is, there are many direct correlations from the skills that should be demonstrated and emphasized in a classroom to those skills expected to be
used in a job environment. Our job as educators is no longer that of the “sage on the stage” but we must teach students to how to learn. It is essential that we encourage students to be engaged, life-long learners who are not afraid of challengesand mistakes as they grow both personally and professionally.

My newest endeavor has challenged me. It has taken me from the familiar into once again, figuring it out mode, as I move forward. DRH Health CEO, Mr. Jay Johnson and his team have a proactive approach to accomplish their vision for workforce development. In my interview, Mr. Johnson stated, “DRH Health wants to serve the communities in which we have a presence.” My new title as Healthcare Careers Advisor is a
new position to seek to accomplish this vision. I am still very much a teacher; it just looks different. I am working to build relationships with schools in Stephens and Jefferson counties to increase awareness of career opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare and to provide career readiness activities and presentations, including those needed employability skills. Which in turn, serves our whole community.
What a great job to have, right? Building relationships, supporting school staff and serving students, I can do that!

Article featured in the 2022-2023 WORKFORCE UPDATE - READ the update HERE.