Searching for a job can be hard. Securing a job is even harder.
MOKA’s Employment Services supports people through the process by building self-confidence and resilience, nurturing relationships, and opening doors to opportunity.
Meet Deb. She enjoys washing dishes at Russ’ Restaurant in Grand Rapids. She was recognized as Employee of the Month earlier this year and celebrated her one-year anniversary in April.
Deb has years of restaurant experience. Russ’ was her top pick of employers. Deb likes eating at Russ’ and enjoys perks like 50 percent off her meals.
She wanted to earn her own money, keep busy, and gain independence. She lives in an adult foster care home and pays a portion of her rent.
Deb also uses some money to do the things she enjoys such as cross-stitch projects, buying books, going out to eat, and enjoying sweet treats from local stores. “It gives me something to do,” Deb says. “I go out to eat every Saturday at Russ’, then I go shopping.”
Russ’ has been a great employment partner and fosters a safe and inclusive work environment. Her manager Jim is supportive and protective of Deb. “He’s a nice man,” Deb says.
Deb enjoys the job and her coworkers. “The people are nice,” Deb says. “They help me with the dishes when I get behind.”
Many employers have moved to an online application process, which makes the job search more difficult especially for people with barriers to employment. MOKA’s Employment Services provides personalized assistance and support every step of the way.
Deb’s job search took a while, but she is happy to be employed. She also worked with a job coach and job developer on her resume, interview skills, and job readiness.
They spent a lot of time preparing for the interview – watching videos on etiquette, researching the company, discussing interview questions, and practicing appropriate answers. Other supports included interview-ready clothing, phone etiquette, and boundaries with her employer.
Deb had frequent coaching in her first few weeks at Russ’. Deb works quickly but needs support with coping skills to prevent getting frustrated and overwhelmed. She learned a pace that works for her, how to ask for help, and how to calm herself down when she starts to feel overwhelmed.
MOKA’s Employment Services team assessed Deb’s skills, limits, and optimal pace, which allowed her job developer to find her a position that would support her needs and strengths. Sometimes, it is helpful to observe persons served on the job to help ensure their success.
“They all love her there,” says Jessamine Sutherlin, MOKA Job Developer. “I think just having that support with her team, like they all really, really enjoy her.”
If Deb does get backed up, the team steps in to help. The teamwork and socialization have been good for her. Jessamine or another job developer has a monthly meeting with her manager at Russ’ to talk about how she is doing and where she needs extra support.
Her supports coordinator at Network180 connected her with MOKA’s Employment Services program. MOKA provides comprehensive support to help job seekers not only find a job but stay employed.
“We work on job readiness, resume, interviews, how to prepare for job interviews and all those kinds of things, but also, different types of skills, communication skills, time management and organization, and then getting the actual job,” Jessie says. “And the biggest thing is making sure that she has those skills to keep that job, like, longevity.”
Story by Marla Miller. Photos by Lara Parent.
