Oct. 1, 2018greatergbc.org

This page, and the information contained within, is brought to you and sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 920.593.3400.

Member spotlight: DiverseAbility, LLC

Pictured: Michaela Schroeder, surgical support technician at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital (pictured above and lower right). Mallory Cornelius (pictured at top right).

The unemployment rate for someone with a disability in the United States is 9.2 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than twice for someone without a disability (4.2 percent). Mallory Cornelius, an employment consultant, is trying to improve those statistics in Northeast Wisconsin with her company, DiverseAbility, LLC.

DiverseAbility, LLC collaborates with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and assists job seekers with disabilities in finding and retaining employment. With eight years of experience working with the DVR counselors and management staff, Cornelius knew there was a need for more employment consultants to contract with DVR to provide services to job seekers.

She established DiverseAbility in October 2017.

"I recognized the need was out there to help these job seekers and help businesses fulfill some of their employment needs, and to think about hiring in different ways and supporting the individuals with disabilities,” said Cornelius.

Cornelius works with job seekers of all abilities, including those who have never had a job and are just beginning their career, people returning to the workforce after an injury or after being a stay-at-home parent, and people looking for a new job or better opportunity. DiverseAbility has worked with high school students to doctorate-level graduates, and with individuals with very specific skills. Cornelius works directly with job seekers and helps with developing a resume, preparing for an interview, filling out applications and, her favorite, just hanging out and getting to know the job seeker so she can truly advocate for him/her with potential employers.

DiverseAbility, which primarily works in Brown County and surrounding communities, assists job seekers with finding job shadow experiences in which the job seeker learns about a specific job or career. Cornelius also helps secure internships or temporary employment

for job seekers during which they build skills, strengthen their resume, gain experience and increase references. DiverseAbility also connects job seekers to opportunities for supported employment through which the employee becomes self-sufficient with occasional follow-up and support from onsite coworkers and DiverseAbility, and for permanent job placement at which the employee becomes self-sufficient and support from DiverseAbility, fades after 90 days.

The entire process for DiverseAbility to help a job seeker secure employment usually takes three to six months.

“I take a long time and really get to know the job seeker. I take pride in knowing what their skills are. [That may include] what they're not the best at and what they might need accommodations with and really getting to know what type of job would be a good fit for them,” she said. “It depends what they're looking for. Is there a need? Are businesses hiring for that type of position? If not, I reach out to a lot of businesses to learn more about their hiring needs and willingness to accommodate any specific conditions or, if they're able to, accommodate any specific job duties or

responsibilities,” said Cornelius.Once the person is hired, Cornelius supports

the employee and the employer as needed, whether to help with orientation and training, diversity awareness training or identifying strategies for better job function.

Cornelius also meets with businesses to learn more about their culture, typical positions and common hiring needs. DiverseAbility can then creatively problem solve to help the business overcome any possible retention difficulties. DiverseAbility is not a staffing agency. There is no charge to the business when they hire a job seeker with whom Cornelius is working.

The benefits to businesses hiring job seekers working with DiverseAbility include access to a highly motivated, reliable workforce; lower turnover rates, leading to decreased recruiting, hiring and training costs; enhanced community engagement and business image; and support from the Department of Workforce Development’s DVR and more.

You can reach DiverseAbility at (920) 449-2020 or malloryc@diverseabilityllc.com

Helping people of all abilities secure employment

This page, and the information contained within, is brought to you and sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, 920.593.3400.

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