Hiring & Retaining Individuals with Autism
Your Moderator Lynn Chisholm Director Office of Internships and Career Readiness Community Engagement University of South Florida lynnchisholm@usf.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnchisholm @LynnChisholm3
Questions & Conversations Submit your questions in the chat box Share on social media @USFCareerServ #AutismAndWork This webinar is being recorded; all materials will be available within a week of recording.
Community Engagement at USF Office of Internships and Career Readiness Internship Development & Recruitment Assistance Office of Career Services Full-Time Recruitment CareerServices@usf.edu www.usf.edu/recruitusf www.linkedin.com/in/usfcareerservices
Hiring & Retaining Individuals with Autism Scott Fontechia & Christine Hugh
TLA Employment Services Team Christine Hugh TLA Job Coach Job seeker intake and training. On and off-site job coaching. Business training and technical assistance. TLA student advisor. Scott Fontechia TLA Job Developer Job seeker applying and interviewing Business relations and networking Job creation and customization TLA student advisor
The Learning Academy 30 week transition program Locations: USF-Tampa & SPC-Clearwater USF or SPC student mentor Individualized Internships Employment assessments Self-exploration & advocation Independent living skills Employment Services 14 county coverage Voc. Rehab. vendor Individualized services Intentionally small Services include: Employment, Supported Employment, Discovery, and more.
Brief Overview of Autism 1 in 68 diagnosed with ASD More prevalent in males Deficits in social communication Restricted, repetitive behavior patterns Unemployment/ Underemployment estimated at 80-90%
Autism: the positives Understanding, embracing and celebrating different ways of thinking and doing can release the true power of the autistic mind. Here we look at the positive features of autism. Attention to detail Thoroughness Accuracy Methodical approach Analytical Spotting patterns, repetition Deep focus Concentration Freedom from distraction Observational skills Listen, look, learn approach Fact finding Novel approaches Unique thought processes Innovative solutions Creativity Distinctive imagination Expression of ideas Absorb and retain facts Excellent long term memory Superior recall Visual skills Visual learning and recall Detail-focussed Expertise In-depth knowledge High level of skills Tenacity and resilience Determination Challenge opinions Accepting of difference Less likely to judge others May question norms Integrity Honesty, loyalty Commitment Harriet Cannon Disability Services, February 2018 Remember Every experience of autism is unique. No one person will identify with every positive feature of autism. We all have individual skills, attributes and characteristics that are as unique as our personalities this is the power of neurodiversity. Icons designed by Freepik, IconPondand DinosoftLabs from www.flaticon.com
Strategies for Success Set Expectations Use concrete terms Avoid metaphors or slang Visual instructions Checklist Task analysis Video instructions or models Make the job predictable Peer mentors Educate staff on ASD
What Can You Do? Offer interview alternatives Skill-based In-person rather than phone Limit abstract or open-ended questions Create Opportunities Volunteer Internship On the Job Training Pilot Program/Hiring Initiative
Internships Investments for the future Real world experience Learn valuable skills Time management Soft skills Specific training Strengthen resume Networking It s who you know At least 70% of jobs obtained through networking
Internship Success: Dan Profile: TLA student, class of 2015 Career Interest: Restaurant business and music Internship: Ukulele Brands in Land O Lakes. Responsibilities: Hosting, bussing, serving, setting up for bands. TLA Advisor checked in periodically with Ukulele Brands staff. Hired after graduation from TLA.
How We Can Help No-Cost Trainings related to Autism and Employment Consultation Coaching Sourcing Qualified Candidates Development and Implementation of Diversity and Inclusion Pilot Programs Our services are free to you through our partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation(VR) We can discuss a separate fee schedule for job seekers not connected with VR
Small Business Success Transportation Control Systems Initiated contact Tired of temp agency turnover rates Customized interview process Skill-based Consultation and follow-up Promoted to a new high responsibility role within the first year
Non-Profit Success Job Seeker Profile: B.A. in Business Administration Volunteer experience Zoo Tampa started with an idea Internship to Employment in Comptrollers Office/Accounting Creating opportunities Career exploration Day of Discovery Beyond
Incentives Work Opportunity Tax Credit On the Job Training through Vocational Rehabilitation Reimburses up to 13% above paid wage Up to 3 months No commitment to hire Diversity is marketable Customer bases are increasingly diverse Public relations, improve your image Reduce turnover and hiring/training costs Improves the bottom line
JP Morgan Chase According to the [Autism at Work] program, after three to six months working in the Mortgage Banking Technology division, autistic workers were doing the work of people who took three years to ramp up and were even 50 percent more productive. James Mahoney, Chief Quality Officer - Source
Big Business Success Job Seeker Profile: Bachelors Degree in Business, worked at two Starbucks prior to hire Business: Diversity and Inclusion Pilot Program Corporate environment One of the largest privately owned companies in the U.S. Sourcing, Screening, Assessment, Training, Retention/Job Coaching
Business Partners Individualizing Tampa Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Glazer Children s Museum Florida Aquarium MOSI Transportation Control Systems Career Builders Enterprise Holdings University of South Florida Job Works at MacDill AFB Tampa Yankees Pomeroy IT Solutions Westland Accounting
Business Partners (cont) Internship Hosts Florida Hospital Mojo Books American Victory Ship HART The Long Center The Humane Society Allegra Marketing Stepping Stones Aramark Publix Chick-fil-a Walmart Target YMCA Pinnacle Automotive Hospitality
Questions
THANK YOU! Contact Us Scott Fontechia 813-974-1153 sfontech@usf.edu Christine Hugh 813-974-2840 chugh@usf.edu http://learningacademy.fmhi.usf.edu Facebook: The Learning Academy Services at USF