Employment Services: A Providers Perspective
Employment Service Providers provide a benefit to both an individual seeking employment as well as to a business that is looking to hire employees. Employment Providers match talents of individuals to business’s needs for long term success. In the current job market, there is a vast number of openings as well as numerous talented individuals that want to work. Tapping into an Employment Service Provider can greatly benefit an individual seeking employment and business leaders. This in turn promotes inclusion in the workforce and community.
Entering the employment field can be nerve-racking and an anxiety producing experience for individuals. If you have a disability this process can seem more stressful or confusing. Luckily, individuals can contact their local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) for assistance. If an individual qualifies for this service, they would then pick an Employment Provider to work with to discover the best possible employment placement for long term success. The assistance of an Employment Consultant, or also known as a job coach, can greatly ease some of the stress and anxiety about the job search.
The hiring process for businesses can be daunting, time consuming and frustrating. The COVID pandemic is providing even more frustration as the work force is down, there is not enough time to hire and the amount of no show’s is at an all-time high. What most business leaders don’t know is that they have local help just a phone call away. By calling the local VR office, a business leader can obtain a list of local Employment Providers with whom to work with. An Employment Consultant (EC) can assist in the following ways: can come to the place of business, give a comprehensive business assessment to identify the employer’s needs, provide education on myths vs. facts about hiring an individual with a disability, give information on no cost or low-cost accommodations, screen applicants to ensure a quality job match, and help supplement training. These services allow a business to hire talent with more knowledge than someone walking in off the street.
If an individual seeking employment chooses to use an Employment Service Agency, such as Stone Belt ARC, Inc., they will be paired with an EC to go through the discovery process. The discovery process is intended to assist in finding likes and dislikes. The EC will observe, gather information and based on what they learn, present ideas for a job placement. Most times an individual can go and try out the job first. In the industry this is called a work experience. This allows an individual to see if that type of work is a good fit. Maybe there is some part of the job that is liked and others that are not. It is just as important to learn what you don’t like along with your interests. This experience can help build a resume and be added as a work experience.
Here are some tips to individuals seeking employment that choose to use Employment Services:
· Be open minded! The most successful clients are those that are open to trying new things. You may never think you would like something but your EC is gathering information about you throughout this process and may have some great ideas for you!
· Self-advocacy is important! Speak up about what YOU like, not what someone else wants you to do! This is about YOU being successful! You have to be happy in your job to make it last a long time. It’s ok to say NO if you do not want to try something. It’s ok to ask for help when you need it. Make sure you use your voice through this process.
· Come to your meetings prepared! Show up, be on time and prepared. If your EC asks you to bring 3 job leads to your meeting, take time to do some work outside of your meeting and think about what you would like to do. Providers don’t have a catalogue of jobs to hand out. This is a collaborative work in progress between you, the EC and businesses.
Tapping into an Employment Service Provider is a secret to success! Businesses that hire individuals with disabilities have less turnover, less attendance issues, raise their bottom dollar by bringing in a whole new market of supporters, and create happier, more inclusive work environments! Job seekers that use an Employment Service Provider see an increase in opportunities for informed decision making, an increase in developing relationships with others, and an increase in competence while gaining meaningful employment! It just makes sense!
Happy Job Hunting and Hiring!
MaryEllen Jones
Associate Director of Community Employment
Stone Belt ARC, Inc
(812)335-3507 ext. 174
www.inapse.org/blog/2022/1/13/employment-services-a-providers-perspective-1