Celebrating Employment Success During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate employees with disabilities who have secured meaningful employment and the support systems that help make those opportunities possible.

NW Works serves more than 250 individuals throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley, many of whom are employed in our community through partnerships with more than 55 local businesses. Individuals seeking employment services through NW Works are assisted by Employment Specialists, often referred to as job coaches, who help ensure jobseekers are intentionally matched with opportunities that align with their interests, goals, and strengths.

While jobseekers themselves put in the hard work of exploring career interests, submitting applications, attending interviews, and learning new responsibilities, Employment Specialists are there nearly every step of the way. This month, we're celebrating the individuals who have secured meaningful employment, but we're also recognizing the dedicated professionals who help make that success possible.

NW Works' Employment Services Team includes Employment Specialists Alaina, Caitlin, Danny, and Wendy; Employment Services Coordinator Kimbra, who supports school-age individuals transitioning from the public school system into Project SEARCH; Center and Community Transition Manager Tina; and Employment Services Director Jim Stevenson. Together, this team has helped 12 individuals secure employment in the past three months.

Behind every employment success story is a great deal of collaboration. Members of the Employment Team spend their days documenting individual progress, checking in with employees at their place of employment, reviewing resumes, attending interviews, connecting with local businesses, coordinating with employer partners, and identifying assessment sites where individuals can explore career paths and industries that match their interests. Their role extends far beyond job placement. Employment Specialists work to ensure both the individual and the employer have the support they need to build a successful, lasting employment relationship.

The Employment Services Team also brings professional expertise to its work. Currently, 60% of our Employment Team have earned either a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) or Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) credential. These nationally recognized certifications demonstrate competency in supported and customized employment and reinforce NW Works' commitment to providing high-quality employment services.

Employment Specialists build relationships, provide ongoing support, and help both employees and employers navigate challenges and celebrate successes. For many families, employment support is life changing. One parent shared that since their son began working with a job coach, "he's succeeded in everything," describing the support they receive as caring, conscientious, and transformative.

Individuals receiving services see that impact as well. One employee credited their job coach with helping them understand expectations, maintain a positive attitude, and develop confidence in the workplace.

The benefits extend to employers, too. Caroline Labrecque, Director of Retail Services with Aramark at Shenandoah University's Brandt Student Center, noted that employees supported by NW Works complete their work accurately and efficiently, are willing to take on new tasks, and consistently challenge themselves to grow.

At NW Works, our mission is to empower adults with disabilities and individuals with barriers to employment to build skills and secure and sustain meaningful employment. The Employment Services Team plays a critical role in advancing that mission every day by helping individuals discover their strengths, pursue their goals, and maximize their independence through work.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the determination and accomplishments of the individuals we serve, the businesses that provide opportunities, and the NW Works Employment Team whose dedication helps transform potential into success.