Office Assistant 1

After leaving his most recent job, Zach sought ACCES-VR services for Supported Employment and to explore new opportunities. Zach applied for ACCES-VR services and met with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Caroline, “Carly” Richards. He came with a clear and focused goal: to obtain full-time employment with benefits in a clerical role. When asked what brought him to ACCES-VR initially he stated “I was having a lot of issues looking for a job that matches my abilities and my disability. I need to find a job that my matches my skills and that I can rely on.” Zach was upfront with the anxiety he felt around the job search process and his difficulty coping with change—whether big or small. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated remarkable initiative from the start.

Zach holds an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services and a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare. While he has maintained strong job retention in previous employment, those positions did not fully align with his career goals.

While awaiting the start of Supported Employment services, Zach and VRC, Carly, met periodically to stay engaged in the job search process. Carly noticed a couple of open positions through Partnerships for Inclusive Internships (PII) that looked like they were right up Zach’s ally and introduced him to MaryBeth Schneider, Inclusive Internship Coordinator with New York State Office of the Chief Disability Officer/ New York State Department of Labor. MaryBeth also recognized his strengths and potential, thanks to PII, Zach was selected for an interview for an internship with the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and then, successfully secured this internship. He also had the support of Unity House Supported Employment Services to enhance his success throughout the entirety of this experience.

At the completion of the internship, unfortunately, there was not a readily available position at the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services but with the experience he gained, it did not take long for the team to connect Zach with another fitting opportunity within the state. There was a position for Office Assistant 1 available at the Department of Motor Vehicles, which Zach interviewed for, and unsurprisingly, he was offered the job! Zach was thrilled about this opportunity, as it aligned well with both his strengths and limitations.

Zach has shared how grateful he is for ACCES-VR, the Partnerships for Inclusive Internships (PII) program, Unity House and the team that has been behind him throughout the journey. “Having people to bounce ideas off and talk through work situations with, has been really helpful. I’m good at processing things with my family, but it’s different when you have professionals in the field to talk to.”

Zach also mentioned that the internship through PII gave him valuable skills to add to his resume and helped open the door to working for the state, something he has been aiming for as a long-term goal. He is especially excited about the potential for advancement within the agency.

This story highlights a few big wins. First and foremost, is Zach’s resilience, drive, and ability to tap into the resources around him to reach his goals. While Zach faces challenges related to his disabilities, his openness to support and strong self-awareness about what he needs to succeed made all the difference. When asked about his new employment, Zach stated: “Things couldn't be going better! I love my job and everyone I work with! I really enjoy what I do, and everyone is so nice and are taking the time to make sure I succeed!”

Second, it’s a great example of what can happen when local agencies come together with a shared purpose; providing meaningful, person-centered support that truly helps someone succeed!

That is what PII is all about: making connections, opening doors, and offering support. Hats off to Zach and the whole team for making this success happen!

This story was submitted by Carol Piechnik

Local Workforce Development and Business Relations Representative

Albany District Office