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The Able Trust: ARC Nature Coast received a grant in May 2001 to support a Job Developer and marketing that will promote supported employment with area businesses. Can you tell us the difference between employment and supported employment?
The Arc Nature Coast: Any person who is employed in a position assumes duties and responsibilities. Any competent worker knows what to do on a daily basis because of their training. All workers require guidance and assistance from time to time so that they continue to due a good job.
A person with a severe disability who is employed through supported employment has duties and responsibilities just like any other employee. That worker requires job training the same as any worker. In supported employment a job coach is available for the individual, both in the initial training phase and long-term, to provide guidance and assistance beyond what the management of the establishment is able to provide. Supported Employment ensures a productive training phase, on-going support to the worker and employer, and prompt resolution to needs that may arise from time to time that affect the person’s work.
AT: Could you share how you approach the job developing process? How do you meet employers and maintain a working relationship with them?
ANC: In a way, I look at my position, Employment Specialist as a sales position. I’m out in the community each and every day, “pounding the pavement”. When I make first contact with an employer, I ask to meet with the manager, (if it’s a good time). Once I introduce myself and explain the program, the manager and I discuss his/her needs and if our customers would be able to help his/her organization. After this has been completed we discuss any available openings he/she may have. If there is an opening we proceed from there. If there is not an opening I will visit that location on a regular basis to see if a position has opened up. During my other visits I will not bother the manager, as I do not want to seem like a “pest”. I will simply check the posting board or speak to another individual who is knowledgeable in the hiring process.
AT: When you speak with employers are there any common concerns that they have? What do you do to work through these barriers?
ANC: Concerns that an employer my have are typically specific to each employer. I would say the biggest concern I hear is safety. The employer is concerned the individual would be a safety concern to the company and/or the customers. I simply explain our customers are just like everyone else when they are properly trained and the training is reinforced on a regular basis, just like with the other employee’s, there is no need for concern. Our customers want to succeed in everything thing they do. We are also able to demonstrate that many other employers in our business community have employed individuals with severe disabilities with great success, and enjoy excellent safety records.
AT: What specific marketing efforts to you do to reach employers in your area?
ANC: This past year we developed a new brochure and sent out a mass mailer, informing companies of our program and the benefits we could offer them. We also just recently sent to print a billboard, advertising our program. Pictured on the billboard are 5 of our customers in their work uniforms. The billboard reads, “Looking for dependable workers?” We have a good working relationship with Vocational Rehabilitation and Career Central. Through the local one-stop center we have access to a wealth of resources for job searches and preparation. We also have a speaker’s bureau service that allows us to get the message out through presentations of our services at local club and organization meetings. And of course we “pound” the streets.
AT: Would you classify Hernando as an urban or rural area? Or a mix of both? How does this affect employment opportunities for your clients?
ANC: Hernando County is historically a rural area, which contains a relatively new urban growth area known as Spring Hill. So, today it is a mix of both. It is like two distinct communities culturally, and that certainly plays into job opportunities, marketing, and good job matching. The economy is primarily driven by the population growth from retirees relocating to the area, so the vast majority of job opportunities are in service industries. Also, there is a seasonal fluctuation as many of the retirees flock back to the north over the warmer months. Consequently, most of our customers find their jobs during the “up” season.
AT: What types of jobs are your clients obtaining? Have they been satisfied with their employment?
ANC: Our customers are working in positions that make them extremely happy in our community. We have customers employed at country clubs, architectural firms, elementary schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and office complexes. Each customer that is working at this time has expressed their satisfaction in their position in the workplace.
AT: How have you solved transportation issues for your clients?
ANC: Transportation in my opinion can be a bigger roadblock for our customers than their disability. I try to place individuals in their ideal position in the workplace. When there is a transportation issue, I try to find something for the customer as close to home as possible. Keep in mind that we are a small community. In September of this year we will be getting a bus line. This bus line will only travel the major routes throughout the community. So as I see it transportation will still be the biggest obstacle. We just try to deal with the transportation barriers on a case-by-case basis.
AT: If you had this grant to do over again, is there anything that you would approach differently? Any lessons learned you would like to share?
ANC: Two thoughts come to mind. First I would have liked to approach this project on a larger scale to include our entire workforce development region, which includes two counties. And, secondly, I would have liked to see us co-locate the employment specialists at the local one-stop centers, known as Career Central in our region. There are a total of three of these centers. The resources at these centers are great, and can only benefit our customers seeking employment, and our staff who assist them.
AT: If an employer were interested in speaking with you about possible employment opportunities, how would they contact you?
ANC: I can be reached at The Arc Nature Coast Kevin Hogan, Employment Specialist
Phone: (352) 592-5656
Fax: (352) 592-5659
Email: khogan@thearc-naturecoast.org
AT: Thanks for sharing your insights on Job Developing in Hernando County!!
