Welcome to Kentucky ERN
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.
SITE and Kentucky ERN Provide Services to Help Local Employees Succeed in the Workplace
Monday, May 1, 2023
KY ERN offering onsite Success Coaching assisted ERN Member employee to not only stay in the workforce, but assisted with climbing the career ladder. Utilizing services through the SITE Program and the Kentucky Employer Resource Network.
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
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
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
ERN-USA National News
ERN USA Administrator Webinar: Recruiting, Engaging, and Sustaining Employer Members
- Review the process & learn best practices from admin growing ERNs
- Articulate the value of ERNs in recruitment
- Sustain employer members with ongoing engagement
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