Alexis faced a few hurdles during her job search last year.
Along with struggling to find a position during the pandemic, transportation was a major issue. Alexis does not have her driver’s license, and her family recently moved to Bernville – a rural town in Berks County – with limited transportation options.
Additionally, Alexis graduated high school in 2019 and has limited work experience. Her family was hoping they could find an employer willing to support and work with Alexis on her time management and social interaction skills.
Alexis’ family turned to Goodwill. Her employment specialist, Kim Gregory, spent several weeks reviewing Alexis’ needs. She then began working with Alexis on updating her resume and practicing job interview skills.
Kim also began looking at transportation options. Unfortunately, buses do not have stops in Bernville and daily Uber trips would be too expensive. Thankfully, Alexis’ family agreed to coordinate their schedules to get her to and from work.
During her job search, Kim found a part-time position in housekeeping services at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, which is about 10 miles from Alexis’ home. Alexis was excited about this opportunity, interviewed for the position and, soon thereafter, accepted their job offer.
Alexis is an essential worker, cleaning and sanitizing touchpoint high-traffic areas throughout the large expansive hospital. To help Alexis transition to her new role, Kim continued to work with her.
Kim trained Alexis on using the elevator and navigating the hospital’s several floors, communicating with patients and visitors who need directions, and greeting coworkers and staff appropriately. She also worked with Alexis on developing a job task list and practicing time management skills.
Alexis is very happy working at the hospital and being part of a team. She takes pride in her job and loves going to work every day, making new friends and earning a paycheck.
According to her manager, Alexis is a great team player. She has worked on her time management skills and social interactions with staff and patients, and has grown to be a big part of the Penn State Health family.
She has also accomplished one of her major goals – getting to wear pink scrubs after being employed for three months.
Way to go Alexis!
For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, contact Sue Soderberg
EMAIL
or call 717.394.0647
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