We’ve been conducting outreach to the VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) community for a couple of years which has been successful. In the past year, we had 17 hires under the Schedule A hiring authority (a federal special hiring authority for people with disabilities). The types of jobs vary and span from entry level to skilled professional. We’ve hired individuals in many roles ranging from purchase agents, financial account technicians, police officers, HR specialists and claims to sterile processors, patient transport and laborers.
The relationships we’ve established have definitely made recruiting and hiring easier. Not only have they widened our talent pool, but it’s been a cost effective way for us to do business. Our goal is to see these relationships expand in the future and hire more people with disabilities.
We have found that not only are we diversifying our workforce, but the individuals we’ve hired provide unique contributions and tend to have a better retention rate than individuals without disabilities. Often the candidates are better prepared for and supported on the job than when we hire from the general public.
I really value the partnerships and can’t say that enough.
We have found that not only are we diversifying our workforce, but the individuals we’ve hired provide unique contributions and tend to have a better retention rate than individuals without disabilities.
