Customizing Employment

One of the many services that Job Squad provides for their job seekers is Customized Employment (CE).  CE is actually defined as individualizing the employment relationship between employees and employers in ways that meet the needs of both.  It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the person with a disability, and is designed to meet the specific needs of the employer.

While working with two of our job seekers, we discovered that one had previous experience doing laundry in a group home for all the residents.  Our other job seeker had experience doing laundry at home for her family members.  Both individuals were interested in working in a service type industry.  By developing a business relationship with a local hotel, we were able to meet with the manager for an Informational Interview.  We identified specific job duties and employer expectations in the interview, and had the opportunity to negotiate with the employer the job seekers’ strengths, needs, and interests.  Once each job seeker was known by the hotel, work was explored on their terms through On-the-Job-Training (OJT).  Each job seeker was allowed to observe duties that were done in the laundry room area.  Because of negotiation, the job seeker was not expected to work in “housekeeping”, but instead, work in the “laundry” area only.  Through CE, job tasks were negotiated that enhanced each worker’s competencies and provided them with an ideal condition for employment.  Each of our job seekers has certain duties to perform that are unique to their abilities.  One of the job seekers job tasks include folding the pillow cases, wash cloths, bath mats, and small and large towels only.  The other job seeker completes tasks such as unloading the laundry chute, loading and unloading the washers and dryers, setting the controls on the machines according to the load that is to be washed or dried, and folding all the linens except for the flat and fitted sheets.

Both job seekers were openly welcomed at their new employment sites.  The hotel staff gave them a smock with their nametag just like the other employees wear.  Each job seeker works at a different hotel site, but it is the same chain.  Both are extremely happy with their employment and the employers are happy with their new employees.  Each job seeker attends mandatory staff meetings just like any other employee, and both are earning a competitive wage.  The hotel management is willing to work around their schedules so that the job seeker can keep doctor appointments or other appointments that arise.  The employers and co-workers have told me they look forward to having our job seekers working at the hotel.  Not only do they meet the needs of the employer, but they feel they are a blessing to have them on board working with them.  Customized employment is a useful means of allowing people with significant disabilities the opportunity to work in an environment where their strengths, needs, and interests are fulfilled and the employer’s specific needs are also met.