Transitional job programs provide dedicated employees

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Pssst...employers, are you looking for an employee who is dedicated to their job, rarely misses work, isn't complaining about starting at entry level and who's successful performance is guaranteed?

If you're frustrated because you can't find employees who are willing to work for minimum wage or start at the bottom, I have some good news. There are many people who will be thrilled...they are individuals who are a part of programs sponsored by the YWCA, United Cerebral Palsy and the Grand Avenue Club - Mental Health Association.

Each of these organizations offers a transitional employment program that is tough to beat. The skeptics among you are probably saying, "Oh sure-but what about all the problems the employer has to put up with? Isn't this more trouble than it's worth?" Their stories may surprise you.

Jill Vesci, Administrative Recruiter at the law firm of Foley and Lardner, Milwaukee, gives her perspective on the Mental Health Association's "Transitional Employment" Program: "Working with the Grand Avenue Club has been a very satisfying experience for Foley and Lardner. We've seen its members grow through their work experience, while having our needs met as an employer. We've always found Grand Avenue Club members to be conscientious and eager employees." Kathleen Orzech of First American Bank in New York agrees, ""You can't beat it. There is a work ethic. The program prepares them well."

The Grand Avenue Club they're talking about is a subsidiary of the Mental Health Association. Members like Mike Motamedi explains how it works, "We have a feeling of stewardship here at the Club. We hold a job for six months with the understanding that we're representing the Club. When the six months is up, we transfer the position to a new member...and we cover for each other if someone is sick...it gives us all a chance to build a work history. Another benefit for employers is they don't have to pay benefits."

Jay Wales stepped in when Mike's six months were up. When he speaks about his new duties as a messenger he beams, "I'm developing better self-esteem, making extra money and it gives me more meaning and structure in my day. When my job ends here, I can get off Social Security because I can get a good recommendation...that's my goal."

Rosalie Smith is working for the first time in her life. She sums it up this way, "I love it. I can't wait to get up for work. My husband is happy to see me out from the TV...he's so proud of me. After my six months is up, I want to find a job on my own."

Penny Urben, Program Director of United Cerebral Palsy, oversees the "Supported Employment Program." She admits placing employees can be difficult at first. "When an employer is first contacted they tend to be very skeptical. They wonder how a person with a disability can be an asset. But they soon realize these people really value their jobs. In fact, some of them are so pleased with our people, they call us first when they have job openings."

Like the Grand Avenue Club, UCP's program builds in some guarantees for employers, "We meet with the employer first, explore the job, and train the employee so it's a good match. We follow up to make sure it's a win/win."

Another program designed to get people back into the work world is sponsored by the YWCA. It's called JOBS (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills). It's a welfare reform program that helps AFDC recipients get a job. Connie Wuest, Employment Specialist, explains, "While an individual is in our program we work on job skills, general education, motivation and job search techniques. The YWCA pays for childcare, bus tickets, and tuition. Once they become employed, we provide the link that helps them get reliable child care."

The program trains and provides internships in banking, nursing and dental assistant positions, office skills and medical terminology. The placement rate of the program is over 80 percent. Wuest explains, "We monitor their progress so we can stand behind them with a good reference. We give complete and honest references-we don't want to jeopardize the program by passing off a poor employee. Many of our employees have been promoted. We usually get more requests soon after one person is placed."

There is an untapped labor pool out there. Why not help them, help the community, and most of all, help your company.

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