Finding the Right Job

Prior to COVID, when asked, my daughter would tell you she had a job she loved. There were high expectations. The work assigned was based on her strengths. She was paid above minimum wage, received an annual bonus, had vacation time and was friends with her co-workers. Her boss was supportive and flexible with time off. It was a perfect fit for her! 

Then came COVID and the office she worked in closed permanently. She missed the extra income and she missed seeing her co-workers. She stayed connected with a few of them through Facebook, but it wasn’t the same. 

Recently she decided it was time to find another job. Looking for a new job requires time and planning. We laid out a plan and have acted on it. 

Our first step was contacting the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). We scheduled an appointment and met with the TWC Counselor. It was a great meeting. My daughter really liked the counselor. She thought she was nice and had listened to her. I agreed. 

Before leaving, my daughter chose the employment support agency she wanted to work with. The counselor seemed surprised she was ready to make that decision. I was not surprised. 

Knowing the system, we did some research before the meeting and interviewed several employment support agencies. My daughter asked, with my support, several questions during each interview. Did they have experience finding jobs for individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)? Do they work with TWC? Did they have a waitlist?

While not a question, she also paid attention to their interactions with her. Did they talk to her like an adult? Did they talk with me instead of her? This is important to her. If she does not know the answer to a question, she will ask me. She wants others to presume she knows the answers and to treat her with dignity and respect. 

We also revisited and updated her Person-Centered Plan (PCP). This was developed with people she knows and trusts in a series of meetings. It outlines what works and doesn’t work for her. It identifies the supports she needs for success. Her strengths, preferences, interests and needs are identified in this plan. 

Now that these things are done, the job search is on. She is excited. My husband and I are excited for her and wish her luck in her search. Work gives her purpose and a reason to get up and greet the day. It gives her “my money” to spend as she wants. If only time could stand still until a job she prefers is found. 

Here is helpful information on helping your child find a career.