In the past, some disabled job seekers applied for any position they could find. It didn’t matter if they were interested in training animals more than serving food or better suited to work outside than in an office. If there was an open job, they were nudged toward it.
Then came the career development department at Pine Tree Society and a program that not only trains Mainers with disabilities but also matches them to the career they will love.
Lillian Doughty is the department’s director.
Name: Lillian Doughty
Age: 57
Town: Portland
Family: I recently married Paul Doughty of Portland. Together we have five adult children: Anthony Scenna, Christina Scenna, David Scenna, Cristian Doughty and Isabelle Doughty, plus our rescue Lab mix, Ruby.
Job: Director of the career development department at Pine Tree Society
How does the program work? We help the job seeker — Maine people with disabilities who want to work — gain employment skills and secure and retain meaningful employment. Currently this program is open to individuals residing in Androscoggin, York and Cumberland counties and we are committed to expanding our reach in 2019.
Why is it hard for people with disabilities to find jobs? The individuals with whom we work have a desire to work but have little hope of securing a job and have a narrow view of what employment could look like. Some never had an opportunity to even try.
How do you fix that? We work with each job seeker to identify their unique skills, interests and desires and match them with the right position. We work to build their workplace skills to ensure they can carry out their job as independently as possible. If the job is the right fit, long term independent work and sustainability is possible.
Why is working important? A meaningful job can transform a life. As an active and contributing member of society, individuals gain self-esteem and self-confidence, a higher level of economic independence and are able to make connections and develop relationships. The impact doesn’t just stay with the individual. Their family gains assurance that their loved one will be OK, their employer gains a high-performing, loyal employee and, overall, the increased workforce positively impacts the state of Maine. It’s a win-win-win-win.
How come employers don’t hire more people with disabilities? My quick response is “fear of the unknown.” Fear of liability, perhaps not knowing enough about their disability and its side effects, such as explosive behaviors or getting hurt on the job. Fear of being sued or paying workers’ comp, turnover or job accommodations that cost too much for the business. All these fears have common myths and the more a business can learn and overcome these fears, they will grow a stronger employee base. It’s not just hiring people with disabilities, all employees can suddenly be faced with a new disability at any time.
What kinds of skills do people learn? The job seeker sets their goal for learning new skills. We offer an opportunity to learn both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured, such as typing, writing, math, reading and the ability to use software programs. By contrast, soft skills are less tangible and harder to quantify, such as etiquette, getting along with others, listening and engaging in small talk. The majority of soft skills assist the individual to fit into the business’ work culture.
What are some of the jobs you’ve helped them find? We help them find a competitive job with a competitive wage. The priority is set by their interests and their ability to perform the job. Some examples include: YMCA swim instructor, dog daycare dog trainer, middle school cafeteria aide, floral designer, certified childcare worker, certified nursing assistant, restaurant prep cook, assembly worker and arts and crafts teacher.
The coolest job someone’s gotten? My favorite story is about Kim, born with developmental disability and told at a young age that she could never work. I worked with Kim for almost a year and discovered many talents and interests such as care taking, children and swimming. Combining her talents, interests and skills, Kim is a swim instructor at the YMCA teaching beginning swimmers. When they told her she was going to be hired, she was thrilled and said, “I’m going to get paid for this?” This job combines all of her skills and abilities and is one she thoroughly enjoys.
Kim is very patient and positive and gives high fives and “good jobs.” Having a meaningful job has transformed Kim’s life. In turn, she is transforming the lives of the kids she teaches to swim. It’s a skill they will now have for the rest of their lives, thanks to Kim — and mine as well! As her job coach, I since learned how to swim myself!
The one job nobody wants? A job that is not a good fit. The fast food industry (perceived as low skill level) can be a disaster if you’re challenged with working in a fast paced, service industry without the interest in ability to perform tasks.
ltice@sunjournal.com
Lillian Doughty of the Pine Tree Society talks with a client at the Auburn facility recently. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)
Lillian Doughty (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)
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