WORKSMART WEST PHILLY AT WORK

Supporting a New Chapter

Julia, a 29-year-old single parent, lost her Receptionist position from a medical practice job after Thanksgiving 2018 and just weeks before Christmas. Julia was feeling the pressure to find replacement work and visited ACHIEVEability’s computer lab in need of assistance. She began working with WSWP’s Workforce Development Coordinator to develop her resume and cover letter. The Coordinator helped her navigate through online applications and complete submissions, as well as help her prepare for interviews. While job searching, the Coordinator helped Julia apply for unemployment and get connected to benefits to help her through this time without income. Through diligence and perseverance, Julia received a job offer for a Patient Service Representative position at a West Philadelphia community health center. This position pays $14 an hour and offers a comprehensive benefits package. Julia began this position in January and successfully completed her probationary period. Julia continues to be appreciative of the work that is being done with WSWP.

“The coaches really cared. You can tell when someone wants what’s best for you, truly.”

In March 2019, Julia’s 57-year-old mother was in a stalled, unproductive job search and nearing the end of unemployment. Julia told her mother “…you better go see ACHIEVEability.” Julia’s mother, Nicole, made the appointment with WSWP. Nicole, a trained dental technician, had been unemployed for several months with little success of gaining new employment. After an individual meeting to review and tweak her resume, we developed a plan to rejuvenate her job search and obtain a referral for clothing from our partners at Career Wardrobe. Nicole received mock interview coaching and interviewed for several positions. After four months of coaching and participation in our workshops, Nicole began a position in June 2019 as a Dental Administrative Assistant in a practice located in West Philadelphia. Nicole is ecstatic to be employed again. She credits our “Get Paid What You’re Worth” workshop with helping her to build her confidence and successfully negotiate (a first time experience) -- a salary of $19.50 an hour with full benefits.

 *Names have been changed for confidentiality