The Community Partners
A Community-Based Solution
Government and local authorities do what they can, but – after seeing a steady increase in the volume of drug-test failures and consulting with a prominent substance-abuse expert – we identified a constructive role for the private sector to play, too. Belden, supported by program partners Meridian Health Services, Centerstone Behavioral Health, Ivy Tech Community College and Manpower, developed a pilot project so we can “walk the walk” by helping potential employees who struggle with addiction get on the road to recovery.
How The Program Works
We are hopeful that the efforts of Belden and our community partners will help our neighbors regain the confidence and self-respect that comes with recovery.
Referral
If a candidate fails the pre-employment drug screen, Manpower offers the candidate a referral to one of our healthcare providers for an assessment.
Evaluation
Candidate completes substance abuse screening(s), interview and assessment; a professional counselor recommends a treatment plan.
Completion
Based on progress, candidates complete an employment readiness assessment program and are provided information about how Ivy Tech Community College can prepare them for gainful employment.
Employment
Candidates who have successfully completed treatment are placed into jobs at Belden through Manpower. Pathways participants continue to receive drug tests to ensure they maintain a substance-free lifestyle. Their first job at the Belden plant is in a safety conscious role, which includes things like cleaning, organizing and 5S initiatives. After another series of drug tests, they move to a machine operating role.
The Belden Blueprint
We know that Belden is not unique in facing workplace challenges exacerbated by substance abuse. Our hope and our goal in sharing our experiences is to offer another option to organizations. We believe the Belden Blueprint can serve as a resource for companies to implement similar programs in communities impacted by addiction, without compromising on the need for a drug-free workforce.
Over the past month, representatives from Belden have presented at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Sharing Solutions conference and Indiana University School of Social Work’s Opioid: Data to Action conference. At these conferences, we’ve shared a case study detailing the program’s development and progress.
Belden Named 2018 Finalist for U.S. Chamber Foundation Corporate Citizenship Award
Belden is honored to be named a finalist in the 2018 Corporate Citizenship Awards, Best Community Improvement Category in recognition of the Pathways to Employment Program.
White House Delegation Visits Belden to Study Pathways Program
On September 18, Second Lady Karen Pence, Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta, Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams and Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway visited the Richmond manufacturing plant to learn more about the Pathways to Employment program. The delegation met with Pathways program participants, toured the manufacturing plant and shared remarks with more than 200 Belden employees, community partners and local dignitaries.
Commentary: Helping Americans sidelined by opioid addiction and drug use get back to work
U.S. Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta and Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams share their thoughts on the Pathways to Employment program.
