Meet Anchor
What is Anchor, exactly?
Anchor is an AI-powered check-in tool that contacts participants weekly by text or through a simple app. It asks how work is going, tracks patterns over time, and alerts the job retention specialist if something needs attention.
Anchor does not make decisions about a participant’s employment, services, or case. It does not communicate directly with employers. It does not have access to full case files. And it is not designed to replace the judgment, relationships, or expertise of a VR counselor or retention specialist.
Get a Demonstration
Curious how Anchor works? This demo lets you test how Anchor responds to questions. Our tool is designed to provide check-ins, guidance, and help between appointments with a job retention specialist.
Anchor is...
A weekly check-in that can be completed in minutes
A way to track patterns in how work is going over time
A way to surface issues to a participant's retention specialist quickly
Available evenings and weekends when a counselor is not
A space to prepare for conversations with a retention specialist
A tool participants control of — they decide what to share
Anchor is not...
Not intended to replace human services or relationships
A system that makes decisions about a participant's employment or services
A surveillance tool for employers, agencies, or anyone else
An all-knowing AI with access to a participant's full personal history
Required — participation is fully voluntary
A finished product, Anchor is currently being tested through this project
How it works
PRIME combines two types of job retention assistance: trained retention specialists and an AI check-in tool called Anchor. Together, they help participants stay connected, identify challenges early, and navigate workplace issues over time.
- Before work begins
Prepare for job success
Before exiting VR services and starting a job, participants meet with a job retention specialist to discuss goals, identify potential challenges, and create a plan for staying connected after employment begins. Anchor is introduced during this process so the tool feels familiar before check-ins start. - First 30 days
Weekly check-ins begin with Anchor
Anchor checks in weekly through text or a simple app. These are short conversations—not tests or evaluations. Check-ins may include topics like work schedules, workplace adjustments, attendance challenges, stress, or communication concerns. Retention specialists review responses and follow up when additional outreach may be helpful.
- Months 2–12
Ongoing support from both Anchor and the job retention specialist
Anchor continues check-ins at a frequency that works for each participant. Retention specialists remain available for conversations, workplace problem-solving, coordination of services, and additional guidance as needed. Anchor helps maintain communication and identify concerns between meetings.
- When something goes wrong
Anchor flags it. Specialists follow up.
If Anchor notices patterns that may need attention, such as increasing stress, schedule concerns, workplace conflicts, or attendance issues, the retention specialist is notified and can reach out directly to offer assistance.