Among the local companies hiring while workers are being laid off are four that provide services for individuals with disabilities. People Inc., The Arc of Erie County, Community Services for Every1 and Suburban Adult Services Incorporated are all looking to hire direct support professionals.
The Arc of Erie County is seeking individuals to work closely with children and adults with disabilities. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, their school and day services have been postponed, but their residential services are still running.
Arc Employment Manager Carl Camardo said his organization is in need of staff to assist with ongoing residential services, now more than ever.
“We’re looking for people who care, people who have the heart, people who have what it takes to care for these individuals, who want to help, who don’t just come here because we have a job to offer. I understand things are difficult with furloughs and people who have lost their positions but this is not just come here, work here and make a check. This is, you have to deal with our individuals, take care of them and want to care” Carmardo said.
Camardo said hiring for direct care has always been a struggle but now is when it matters most because clients are stripped of their daily routines. The position requires consistent direct contact with individuals around the clock. Camardo said the Arc ensures they are being cautious with CDC recommendations in providing whatever services are necessary.
Suburban Adult Services Incorporated is continuing its group home services indoors during the COVID-19 outbreak. SASi provides services for people with developmental disabilities in the southtowns in hopes of providing tools for individuals to become independent.
Recruiting Manager Michael Cleri said all of their group home services are in place but they are altering forms of interaction and activities for clients, as well as decreasing class sizes.
“As far as our group home services, everybody’s still receiving care at home. We’re just doing our best to make sure they have activities at home, making sure we’re keeping everybody engaged and active to the best extent we can without the ability to go out and do the things we used to do outside” Cleri said.
Cleri said direct support positions have always been difficult to fill across New York, but SASi is continuing to try, even as many companies are laying people off. A valid New York State driver’s license is required and a high school diploma or GED certificate is preferred. SASi provides all other training and certification.
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities issued a temporary closure of site-based day habilitation programs, but that hasn’t stopped the local organization Community Services for Every1 from providing support services. CEO Mindy Cervoni said direct support professionals have the most rewarding job on earth and her company is hiring.
“We have seen a large number of applicants as many other local businesses are temporarily or permanently closing because of this crisis. It’s such an opportunity, I think not only for us but for people in the community to see that providing support to somebody and helping teach skills and helping people grow and achieve their dreams. It’s the greatest work on earth” Cervoni said.
Cervoni said the people they support are active in the community so social distancing can be difficult. The CEO explained that in an industry with a high turnover rate, its especially important to have passionate individuals looking to make a difference.
The majority of services Community Services for Every1 provides rely on direct contact, but Cervoni said “direct support” does not always mean face-to-face. The company is continuing to support clients, even if it’s with a simple phone call or video chat for companionship. Cervoni said applicants are usually required to have a high school diploma or GED certificate but, most importantly, a kind heart.
People Inc. is also hiring, with immediate opportunities in Angola, Boston, East Aurora, Evans, Farnham, Grand Island and Orchard Park. The organization says full-time, part-time and temporary positions are available to work mainly evening, overnight and weekend shifts. The jobs include paid training and various benefits.