Mission Moment: Teamwork in Action at NW Works

In May, select team members at NW Works were provided an on-site employment opportunity through custodial services and outdoor maintenance and grounds work. Through this on-site Group Supported Employment (GSE) opportunity, more individuals are gainfully employed and developing skills and confidence alongside their peers.

New roles always provide room for learning, and this opportunity was no different for team members at NW Works. On day two of their new roles, team members had already begun to take initiative, practice teamwork, and encourage their peers. In a GSE crew, teamwork is critical to the success of the group, and can be influenced by the Employment Specialist, or Job Coach, working with the group. NW Works’ newest GSE group is being led by dual Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Employment Specialist Bailey. Bailey has built relationships with the individuals in the GSE crew through her work as a DSP as she encourages individuals in her room to build skills, develop confidence, and maximize their independence. Having a familiar face for many of the individuals in the group has aided their transition and added a layer of trust and comfortability to a major, but exciting, change in their schedule.

Since May, many staff at NW Works have commented on the work ethic, initiative, and attitudes of the work crew as they learn their roles and begin making visible differences on NW Works’ campus. The GSE crew is responsible for our spotless windows and doors, organizing the garden shed, filling up raised garden beds, planting  herbs, cleaning high touch surfaces, and they have begun to do all these tasks independently. We’re proud of the GSE Crew and appreciative of Bailey’s guidance as she ensures individuals gain job experience and maximize their independence— all with a smile on their face!