“Do People With Disabilities Earn Equal Pay? | America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers” – US Census Bureau
Overall, workers with a disability earn less than workers who do not have a disability. Yet, depending on the types of work they do, much of the difference in median earnings disappear.
Today, a record 9 million people with a disability work. While these workers, age 16 and older, are spread throughout the labor force, workers with a disability tend to concentrate in certain jobs depending on their age and particular disability.
Among people working similar jobs and schedules, the median earnings for workers with a disability are either very close to, or not different from, earnings for workers with no disability.
The most common occupation for people with a disability is janitors and building cleaners, where about 300,000 workers with disabilities find employment. They make up 11 percent of workers in this occupation.
Other large occupations for workers with disabilities are:
- Drivers/sales workers/truck drivers.
- Cashiers.
- Retail salespersons.
- Laborers and freight, stock and material movers.
Tips for finding fulfilling employment when you have a disability
Photo via Unsplash
by Jenny Wise
Having a disability shouldn’t prevent you from going after your career goals. While your job search will likely look very similar to that of someone without disabilities, you may face a few unique challenges along the way. Here are some tips to help you hit the ground running with your job hunt and land a position where you can let your skills shine.
Focus on What You Do Best
Anyone looking for a job should focus on their strengths above all else. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind the kinds of things you need in an ideal work environment and narrow your search to jobs where your disability will not limit you in any way. But it’s also crucial to think about the things you can do best! Avoid fixating on your limitations. Make a list of your greatest strengths to help you decide on a career field where you will thrive.
When you eventually go for an interview, use these strengths as your jumping off point. Talk about all of the things you can do well. Consider coming up with a short, but powerful, elevator pitch that reflects the unique ways you can benefit the company. Think about what drives you, why you are motivated to try your best every day, what aspects of the job you’re passionate about, and why you would be the perfect fit for the job. This really shows hiring managers that you’re driven to succeed.
Be Confident
Hiring managers love to see that a potential employee is confident in their abilities. You can display this confidence by addressing your disability in your interview and demonstrating how it does not affect your ability to do great things. If you feel uncomfortable disclosing your disability, that’s okay too! You don’t have to tell your interviewer anything you don’t want to. However, many people feel their confidence soar when they use their disability to show how they’ve overcome challenges or dealt with judgment in a constructive way.
Asking questions is another great way to show interviewers that you’re extremely driven. Do your research on the company and come prepared with a few questions about the organization. This really shows that you know what you’re talking about. You can also ask questions about development opportunities, professional responsibilities, and what success in the position would look like.
Craft a Skills-Based Resume
If you haven’t been employed for a while or you’ve switched jobs a lot in the past, a skills-based resume is your best bet. Instead of listing work history and education in chronological order, a skills-focused resume displays the targeted skills that make you uniquely qualified for the job. Adjust your resume for each job you apply for, listing a different combination of skills tailored to each position. Check out this article from Career Sidekick for help tailoring your resume to a specific job.
On your resume and in your interview, try to show your skills rather than simply telling about them. Avoid using clichés such as “hard-working” or “strong attention to detail.” Instead, use facts, numbers, and results to display your accomplishments.
Know Your Rights
As you go through the job-hunting process, make sure you have a solid understanding of your rights as a person with a disability. There are several federal laws that protect you from discrimination both during the job application process and in the workplace. For example, employers cannot reject you just because you cannot perform tasks that are not essential to the job position. Your employer must also make reasonable accommodations to help you do your job, like adjusting work schedules or modifying equipment. You can learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act on FindLaw.
Companies today are realizing the valuable talents and skills that people with disabilities bring to their businesses. While it may have been extremely challenging to find work in the past, the future of employment for people with disabilities looks promising. More and more companies are providing accommodations, advancement opportunities, and accessible tools for people with disabilities, allowing them to thrive in jobs they enjoy.
“After I broke my neck, I couldn’t walk. But I could still lead.” – OZY
“Because the most talented person in the room might have a disability.”
“While on vacation, I broke my neck bodysurfing. I was 25 years old and until then considered myself the best thing since sliced bread. But that life-altering accident changed the focus on everything. I was convinced I was done, that my career was over.
“But IBM thought differently. I had already been working for them, and they assured me they wanted me back after my 18-month recovery. I took up a job in technical publications and, 39 years later, in 2015, I retired as corporate director of marketing communications. At IBM, I met many people who had a lot of heart. When someone offered me a helping hand, I took it in the spirit in which it was given. But I worked my behind off. I wanted to prove something to myself: that I could be an equal or at least competitive.”
Continue reading this article at OZY.com, click here.
Job Announcement for Compeer Executive Director
Compeer of Lebanon County, a 501c3 non-profit agency serving residents of Lebanon County who live with mental illness, is searching for a passionate, energetic, organized and articulate person for the position of Executive Director. Compeer has been dedicated to changing lives and making a positive impact to the Lebanon community by supporting individuals on their path to mental wellness since 1999. Benefits include paid sick leave and a liberal personal leave policy.
Interested applicants should have the following solid skills:
- Passion for working with those living with mental illnesses
- Recruitment of volunteers to carry out the agency’s mission
- Organization for all facets of the direction of the agency
- Energy and charisma used for alerting community stakeholders to our mission
- Excellent verbal and written expression skills
- Education and experience in working in human services fields
- Ability to serve as an emphatic advocate for the mission of Compeer, and for the greater advancement of mental health awareness and wellness within our communities
- Ability to educate those who want to know more about our mission and the challenges for those living with mental illness
- Ability to offer support to those seeking assistance with mental illness related challenges; and support to agency volunteers and clients
- Flexibility to meet the needs of the agency and its mission beyond the normal workday
- The highest ethical standards
- Skills and foresight used when administering fiscal resources of the agency
- Strong time management skills
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision
- Ability to lift at least 25 pounds
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Main duties include, but are not limited to:
- Work in collaboration with Compeer’s Board of Directors
- Partner with local community groups (United Way, MH/ID/EI, etc.)
- Grant writing
- Administration of the agency’s finances
- Recruitment, training, and on-going support of the volunteers of Compeer and CORPS
- Support of Compeer’s clients
- Supervision of additional agency staff
- Community outreach and mental health advocacy
Education and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field
- Prior experience (3-5 years) working in non-profit agency and/or in mental health field
- Bilingual a plus
Please email your resume, including references, along with a letter of interest to: director@compeer-lebanon.org by 10/31/18. Compeer is an equal opportunity employer.
Position posting: Community Health Advocate at Columbia Life Network
Community Health Advocate
- Columbia, PA
- Full-time
- Salary: $33,000.00 to $34,000.00 /year
Position Statement (Position Description)
Job Title: Community Health Advocate
Reports To: Executive Director
Positions Reporting To This Position: None
Job Type: Full Time Hourly (40 hour week)
Pay Rate: $16.00/Hour
This Position Is Grant Funded Through June 30, 2019
As A Community Health Advocate The Candidate:
- Assists children and families living in the Borough of Columbia, PA with navigating the health care system, linking participants to appropriate programs and services in order to meet identified needs and eliminate barriers to improved health/maintaining good health.
- Promotes access and utilization of health insurance/benefits, primary care and dental care.
- Cultivates relationships with organizations, government programs, schools, businesses and faith based organizations to ease the referrals process and improve patient access to programs
- Connects participants with other social and support services necessary to support the health of the family and their ability to make healthy choices.
- Documents all activities with patients and families. Provide reports on activities and outcomes of services
- Provide, as needed, assistance to clients at Columbia Life Network office
Tasks To Be Completed:
- Measure number of clients who moved from uninsured to insured
- Measure number of households with children under age 7 that were screened for lead
- Measure number of individuals and families that have insurance and have identified a primary care medical home
- Measure number of engaged individuals who have identified a dental home
- Document all service units provided
Education Requirements (including license, certifications):
- High school diploma or general equivalent (GED)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or other related field is preferred
Experience Required And Preferred:
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with families in a casework/case management/advocate capacity
- Bi-Lingual (Spanish) strongly preferred
- Experience working with setting and tracking outcomes in the human services field
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of social and community resources
- Experience working with healthcare, social service, or a community outreach program
Skills And Competencies Required:
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Able to handle multiple tasks
- Creative in their approach to their job
- Demonstrate leadership qualities
- Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Ability and willingness to learn, and use, the Empower Lancaster software system
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and social barriers that can exist when accessing health or health-related care
- Promote a positive team-based approach to treatment, care and support
- Ability to exercise good judgement and problem solve in the application of professional services
- Possess a valid driver’s license
New Learning And Memory:
- A portion of this position requires reliance on verbal memory and new learning. Efficiency in processing of verbal information, either in written or spoken form, is a major requirement and prerequisite of the position. The candidate must be able to attend to and process multiple bits of information simultaneously. The candidate must be able to organize and categorize this information effectively so that later recall is feasible.
Physical Requirements:
- The candidate must be able to sit, walk and stand frequently and for long periods of time
Equipment Use Requirements:
- The candidate must be able to use a computer, phone, copier, printer and general office supplies
- The candidate must have regular access to reliable transportation
Physical Environment:
- Working conditions will include, but not be limited to, interior offices indoor community events, outdoor community events and client engagement in both indoor and outdoor settings
About Columbia Life Network
Founded in 2004, Columbia Life Network is a non-profit social service community hub that works to improve the health, education and quality of life for residents of Columbia Pennsylvania by promoting initiatives that increase momentum toward community well-being, including, but not limited to, change in drug and alcohol norms and usage: increase access to health insurance coverage and affordable housing; develop life skills, family and career path education; enhance community engagement; support public-private partnership opportunities.
Website: www.columbialifenetwork.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/columbialifenetwork/?ref=bookmarks
https://www.indeedjobs.com/columbia-life-network/jobs/528f604c592aa1638ff7
Job Announcement for Compeer of Lebanon County Program Manager Position
Compeer of Lebanon County, a 501c3 non-profit agency serving residents of Lebanon County who live with mental illness, is searching for a passionate, energetic, self-driven, and articulate person for the position of Program Manager. This position is a 37.5 hour per week full-time position. Benefits include mileage reimbursement, paid sick leave and a liberal personal leave policy.
Interested applicants should have the following solid skills:
- Passion for working with those living with mental illness
- Recruitment of volunteers to carry out the agency’s mission
- Energy and charisma used for alerting community stakeholders to our mission
- Education and experience working in human services fields
- Ability to serve as an emphatic advocate for the mission of Compeer, and for the greater advancement of mental health awareness and wellness within our communities
- Ability to educate those who want to know more about our mission and the challenge for those living with mental illness
- Familiarity with military culture, mental health issues commonly experienced by veterans, and display confidence and professionalism while speaking about these topics
- Flexibility to meet the needs of the agency and its mission beyond the normal workday
- The highest ethical standards
- Strong time management skills
- Self-motivation and able to work independently with limited supervision
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
Main duties include, but are not limited to:
- Recruit, interview, train and monitor volunteers
- Handle clerical duties including maintaining office supply inventory, accepting telephone calls, greeting visitors, maintaining and updating records and databases for all programs
- Monitor volunteer/friend caseload and maintain program liaison between referral sources, volunteers and their friends
- Attend outreach events as needed, share volunteer flyers and update community bulletin boards
- Collaborate with local VFW/American Legions/other veteran service organizations
- Create and distribute the “Friend-to-Friend” newsletter, enhance internal and external communication and maintain social media accounts
- Assist Executive Director in researching, writing, and submitting grants
- Maintain cleanliness of the Compeer office
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of 18 credits in education, sociology, human services, social work, or psychology required. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or coordinator of volunteers and/or one year of human service experience may be substituted for college credits. An Associate Degree or B.A./B.S. in social work, human services, or psychology is preferred.
- Applicant is strongly preferred to be a veteran and have an in depth understanding of military culture.
- Knowledge of mental health delivery systems in the community is a plus.
- Proficient computer skills in word processing, creating spreadsheets, Internet/E-mail/Social media.
Hours:
Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; Monday through Friday with some evenings and weekends required
If you’d like to be a part of Compeer, please email your resume, including references, along with a letter of interest to: director@compeer-lebanon.org. Compeer is an equal opportunity employer.
Job announcement | Community Basics, Inc. is seeking applicants for a Community Manager in Lancaster City & County.
Community Basics, Inc. is seeking applicants for a Community Manager in Lancaster City & County.
Qualified applicants must have strong problem solving skills, oral and written communication ability, and proficient computer skills. A valid PA Real Estate Sales License and PA Driver’s License are required. Prior property management experience preferred, especially in HUD or LIHTC housing. Collection experience and knowledge of affordable compliance programs is a plus. Community Basics, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing affordable rental housing. Competitive salary and benefits offered.
Email resume to jraff@communitybasics.com or fax to (717) 509-5714. Equal Opportunity Employer
Job announcement: Aging Care Manager 2 / APPRISE coordinator
Click here or on the graphic above to download as a .pdf file for sharing and / or printing.
See here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/2175012/aging-care-manager-2-local-government
United Way of Lancaster County is seeking a Full Time Housing Specialist for its 2-1-1 Contact Center.
United Way of Lancaster County is seeking a Full Time Housing Specialist for its 2-1-1 Contact Center. This position will be primarily responsible for pre-screening and assessing households who present as currently homeless or at risk. The service area covers the 33 counties in the Eastern Continuum of Care of PA.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Psychology required; or qualification as a Mental Health Professional as defined by the PA Department of Public Welfare. Experience and knowledge of human service field preferred. Familiarity with personal computer word-processing and databases required. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish a plus. Must have excellent communication skills, written and verbal, and be able to communicate effectively with diverse clients, staff, and external agencies. Must have ability to engage quickly with those in need and perform quick assessments.
See attached for full description of responsibilities. Please submit cover letter and resume to Wendy Jarret: jarret@uwlanc.org by October 12, 2018.
To download the position as a pdf file, click here.
