Excellence as an Employer
Community Vision’s Employment Connections Program awarded Adventist Health Portland the Employer of the Quarter certificate. The hospital and medical services facility is located on Portland’s east side near I-205.
Two people who are supported by Employment Connections—Sharon and Alicia—work at Adventist Health. The hospital adjusted its hiring process to create better access to jobs for people with disabilities. Instead of an interview, the job seekers had a work-site tour and a conversation about the position. This way all involved could see if it would be a good fit.
“Adventist Health has been a wonderful employer and partner,” says Employment Connections Director Dawn Bootz. “The people we support who work there are a valued part of their team and are included in everything—meetings, parties, events, trainings, and conversations.” Unfortunately, this kind of workplace inclusion doesn’t always happen for people with disabilities.
Dawn and Employment Connections Manager Brandon Jones presented Adventist Health staff with a framed certificate in recognition of their excellence as an employer. They shared their appreciate of the staff and their gratitude. Plus, they brought donuts!
Sharon
Sharon works as a dishwasher in the Nutrition Services department of the hospital. She has been in the job for more than two years. Sharon works hard and is dependable. Her coworkers respect her, and she takes a lot of pride in her work.
“Sharon tells us she loves the environment where she works and has made several friends while working there,” Dawn says. “She feels comfortable approaching her supervisor about any needs that come up.”
Alicia
Alicia works three days a week in the Nutrition Services office. Adventist Health created a specific job for her, which includes a few different tasks. She puts crackers in individual bags that can then be sent to nurses’ stations. She does the same thing with spoons and forks. In addition, Alicia hand stamps bags for pastries.
Alicia has worked at Adventist Health for more than two years. Her work plays an important role in the patient experience. “She’s let us know that she loves her job and the people she works with,” says Dawn.
A New Job
Looking to the future, the Employment Connections Program and Adventist Health have recently developed another job. The new position will be shared by two people supported by the program.
“Adventist Health sees the bigger picture. They accommodate and include people by allowing for job shares and flexibility in scheduling, as well as part-time roles. These things are very important in our field,” Dawn says.
“The biggest reason Adventist Health is such a great place to work is because of the Nutrition Service Manager, Tracy Fisher. He is an awesome person, and he just gets it!”
The two new Adventist Health employees supported by Employment Connections have accepted their new jobs. They are excited to start work!
