Worcester Business Journal

36 Worcester Business Journal | Fact Book 2017 | wbjournal.com Worcester County educational attainment Less than high school diploma High school graduate (includes equivalency) Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree 9.9% 28% 17.6% 8.6% 21.6% 14.3% Note: For ages 25+ Source: U.S. Census Bureau - 2016 American Community Survey W hether the economy is in a boom or a bust, there are always jobs to fill and people looking for work. It's often a matter of matching up the job- seekers with what positions that fit their skills. The same goes for those people with special needs, who sometimes need extra help in finding a job that works well for them but who provide thousands of jobs to restaurants, hotels, retail stores and other places. Charles Powderly is the employee liaison at the Central Mass Employment Collaborative, a service of Riverside Community Care. How are agencies and employers working to find jobs for the disabled? Every two weeks, I'll meet with job developers for what we call leads and needs. We brainstorm around the table to match employment opportunities with individuals who come through agencies like the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Mental Health. Have employment opportunities changed in recent years for the disabled? Ten or 20 years ago, it wasn't a career path for people. It was more they were given a job and left to stay in that field. Now, many of those jobs are a career when they have opportunities that really fit their interests and skills. For some, we have coaches who continue to work with them, and others are set off on their own and suc- ceed. For employers, they're seeing it now it can help them find good workers. What are some challenges at finding more employment opportunities? Transportation is a huge challenge. It can be especially hard for those who aren't able to drive or don't have a car, unless they live and work along public bus routes. Uber and Lyft have been a godsend in the last year or two, and agencies will often pitch in getting workers to and from their jobs. This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by Grant Welker, WBJ news editor. Finding work for the disabled Charles Powderly W C e n t r a l M a s s . W o r k f o r c e A S S E T S

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