October 20, 2014

by: OakLeaf Services Contributor

Advantages Of Hiring A Person With A Disability – UCP Site Supervisor Perspective

This week’s blog post was written by Mary Ellen Rhein, the Supported Employment Site Supervisor at PNC Bank. Mary Ellen shares her perspective on working with people with disabilities, and what they contribute to the company.

I began to work at UCP three and a half years ago at the Westlake Adult Day Service site. I started working as a classroom aide and then became classroom leader after a few months. I helped to provide support services, training and delegated nursing for adults with multiple disabilities. I enjoyed their smiles, jokes and the joy they had in sharing time with you. It was a blessing to learn so much from them.

Almost two years ago, I transferred to the position of Site Supervisor at PNC. I was motivated to take the position because it took me back to my roots. I am a retired special education teacher. For thirty-one years I taught Life Skills and Work Skills to high school students with special needs. The position at PNC gives me the opportunity to continue to teach job skills but in a real work environment. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of helping an individual transform from an untested, nervous person to a confident experienced worker. One of the best memories that I have is of a young man who started working one day a week, needed constant supervision while working and was afraid to go too far from his desk. He has transitioned to now working five days a week and works all over the building with minimal observation. He has truly blossomed because he was given a chance.

As a retired teacher, the most challenging aspect of my job is working during the summer. Seriously though, adapting to a business/bank culture has been the most difficult aspect. It is very different from the world of education. However, it has been heartwarming to see how open and welcoming the PNC employees and management are to the UCP workers. They are included in huddles (department meetings), parties, potlucks and building wide celebrations. In the offices, halls and cafeteria, you can’t help but notice the camaraderie as PNC people stop to talk to UCP workers about their weekend, football, family etc.

The managers at PNC often comment how happy they are with the work done by the UCP workers. The employees complete a wide variety of jobs in different parts of the building. Often the work that they do allows the PNC employees to complete other tasks.

An employer would be smart to look at the process of hiring from a different perspective. Many bright, intelligent people have difficulty with the interview process and are passed over because of it. The same can be said for bright, intelligent people with disabilities. Sometimes a person with a disability might not have the communication skills to make it past that first interview. But as the PNC managers found out, the UCP employees have many talents, are hard working, loyal and have outstanding attendance.

For more information about UCP of Greater Cleveland’s Community Employment program, please contact Kate Adkins, Community Employment Manager, at (216) 791-8362 ext. 1252 or kadkins@ucpcleveland.org. Or visit our website at https://www.ucpcleveland.org/services-for-adults/community-employment.

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