Saturday, May 26, 2012

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.




Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Guest Blog: Creating Opportunity Using a Compensating Balance Loan


(Our Guest Blogger, Jamie Alderman is seated at left. Sitting at the desk is Shannon Kile, Loan Officer with CWV TEL Federal Credit Union.)

Hello. My name is Jamie Alderman and I am ready to go back to college. The CWV TEL Federal Credit Union has made that next step possible for me.

Up to this point, service industry employment has not offered the career challenges I am seeking. I am looking for something that is more intellectually stimulating. I will be studying Sociology (undergraduate), then Seminary (graduate school). I will develop my people skills in the ministry--graduating as a pastor and using my education and skills to teach, counsel, and minister to my congregation.

I owed approximately $1,200 in old student loan debt. Systems such as VR and PASS cannot pay of my existing debt so that I can go back to school sooner, rather than later. I could have waited until I paid the debt off myself, but that would have taken about 4 more years according to my current payment schedule. Instead, the loan offered by CWV TEL  has made it possible for me to go back to school next semester.

Russell's quick note:

This is Job Squad's 2nd round with a Compensating Balance Loan. The first was done in partnership with the Center for Social Capital. Jaime's loan is 100% guaranteed by a JSI deposit with CWV TEL, equivalent to Jaime's loan principle.

Thank you to Carol Johnson of CWV TEL for making this happen! And to Ian Rudick for connecting JSI with such an outstanding group of folks at CWV TEL Federal Credit Union!