Joel is a California native who moved to Missouri looking to secure local employment. With the help from his Job Coach Team, he is confident in his job role and is even assisting in training new employees at Pizza Hut.
Joel Abernathy
Pizza Hut, Worley St.
What Joel likes most about this job:
He likes being a valued part of a team.
Joel’s Strengths:
• Ability to follow directions
• Exceptional listening skills
• Great attitude
• Takes on new tasks/challenges
• Exceeds expectations
Manager’s Perspective:
“Joel’s willingness to take on responsibilities and his ability to follow directions have been invaluable. I wondered if my management style, with my military background, might not be a great fit, but the Woodhaven Job Coaches offered me tips specific to Joel’s personality and possible unique challenges,” said Vince Gilley, Pizza Hut District Manager.
Notable Achievement:
Joel’s Boss, Vince shared, “When a truckload of inventory arrived unexpectedly, Joel stepped up, volunteering to organize it without needing extensive guidance. Joel’s natural ‘Go Getter’ attitude has proven to be a perfect fit for our team. He has earned the respect of his co-workers through hard work and dedication.”
Community Impact:
Joel’s journey highlights the dedication of individuals in the Community Employment Services program. Their commitment to teamwork and job satisfaction transcends mere financial incentives, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and contributing to a thriving work environment.
Woodhaven’s Coaching Team and Process
Initially, Dustin Murray coached Vince Gilley, Pizza Hut District Manager on management tips and styles, and educated him about our services. Chris Andrews and Christy Moten reiterated this information, and provided the employer as well as Joel, with supportive measures.
The detailed process typically occurs like this:
Community Employment Specialists (Chris and Dustin) build partnerships and assist each other to support the individual referred for employment services with a good job match.
Once the application is submitted and an interview is scheduled, the assigned CES, (in this case, Chris Andrews), provides support during the interview and education about employment services occurs with the manager for the second time (first time is during the job search phase).
Once the individual is offered and accepts the position, all of the background checks occur through the employer and onboarding/orientation occurs shortly after. Chris spent approximately 2 weeks supporting Joel Abernathy until his job coach, Christy stepped in to provide on-site job supports.
Fading began within the first 3-4 weeks of the individual working. Again, this is determined by job coach observations, the individual’s level of support needed and employer input about overall progress.
This is a team collaboration throughout the process. Each team member establishes great partnerships with businesses but assist one another to make a connection based on the individual’s career goals and interests. Sometimes the CES will make the connection independently and sometimes we all provide business connections to support the individual.
For more information on these services go to: https://www.woodhaventeam.org/programs-services/community-employment-services/
Or contact Fontella Jackmon-Jones, Employment Manager at fjones@woodhaventeam.org
