So, how can I get a job during Covid-19 and who’s hiring? I feel awkward walking into a place and asking to meet with the manager. With so many places either closed or under restrictions, how is a one-on-one meeting even possible?
Here are a few suggestions:
Where are the jobs?
Unfortunately, many of the jobs in dire need of being filled are in retail customer service and not the best fit for autistic adults or those with intellectual disabilities. If you have experience as a cashier, store associate or retail sales, you will easily find a job. Of course a big reason why these jobs are in demand is because many have shied away from jobs requiring significant human interaction due to the Coronavirus. It’s no picnic wearing a face mask all day.
Another job area with more active hiring is warehousing or product fulfillment. These are the large distribution centers such as Amazon, Target, Home Depot, and Walgreens. They need package handlers, pickers and forklift operators.
Years ago when I was just out of high school, I drove a forklift at an A&P warehouse and had a blast doing it. Forklift certifications can be obtained through training programs at Goodwill or Vocational Rehab. Perhaps the main challenges facing applicants for these jobs are transportation—the centers are located in rural areas; and hours—working second or third shift.
After reviewing listings on several websites, including SC Works, here are the positions with the most postings. Many are either part-time or full-time and require no more than a high school education.
- Cashier
- Stocker
- Store Associate
- Retail Sales
- Sales Associate
- Package Handler
- Dishwasher
- Assistant Manager
- CNA (Certified Nursing Associate
Despite the widespread shutdowns and now, openings of restaurants; many of these businesses are hiring. If you can stand for a few hours, lift up to 30 lbs. and don’t mind a noisy and busy environment, you could be a dishwasher, another job in high demand.
Unlike my first job scrubbing greasy pans at my dad’s fish store and collecting 90-cents an hour, today’s dishwasher can make a pretty decent living. Starting pay can be $12 an hour, and increase to $15 an hour plus benefits. In addition to restaurants, schools, senior living facilities, hospitals and manufacturing plants all hire dishwashers. Another benefit to this job…you don’t have to deal with customers!
The Covid-19 requirements for all restaurants mean almost constant cleaning and sanitizing of tabletops, counters and any high-touch surfaces. This has created much more demand for cleaners—staff dedicated to cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
Who can help me?
For job seekers with autism spectrum disorder or a cognitive disability, looking, applying, interviewing and then working a job is a challenging proposition. This is where a job coach can make all the difference in getting a job you like and keeping it.
A good job coach will not just sit behind her desk searching the internet and applying for jobs online. Instead, she or he will form personal relationships with business owners and managers. Even at this time of restrictions, a good job coach will be out in the community working with people.
I recently met a client in the parking lot of a McDonalds Restaurant at the proper time for a hopeful meeting with the manager. We walked in and I introduced myself and my client to the person at the counter. After a brief explanation, she pointed me to the manager who happened to be in an interview. I quickly introduced us and waited until he concluded the interview.
He came over to meet us and quickly grasped the situation of a job coach caring for someone who needed help. This has happened time and again. Yes, there are companies and business owners who want to make a difference and hire a person with a disability. My client was the perfect fit for a job cleaning table tops and chairs.
A good job coach thinks outside the box and lends the personal touch to communicating with business owners and store managers. A good job coach also is business-minded and sensitive to the needs of the business owner. By taking it to the next level and not a one-size fits-all approach, job coaches can help their clients while also serving the needs of employers.
