Job-Readiness Training Builds Path to Passion in Career
Jennifer was first introduced to Pioneer when she was admitted into our former Pioneer Center North residential treatment program. She said, “The staff was so dedicated and when I graduated from the program I knew that I wanted to work with Pioneer in some capacity. The employees literally helped me turn my life around and set me on the path to addressing my legal issues.” Jennifer continued, “I was accepted into community diversion court and needed to find employment. The problem was that I had been out of the workforce for eight years and had a few barriers in my way. When I started researching employment services, Pioneer’s Roadmap program popped up and I applied.”
Our Roadmap to Success job-readiness training program provides guidance, skills, tools and a path into the workforce for many individuals involved in community court diversion programs or released from jail or prison. Jennifer shared her story about participating in the Roadmap to Success program and why she encourages other people to take the course.
Roadmap to Success was a building block for Jennifer, providing her with the tools needed to jumpstart a new career after not working for so many years. Jennifer commented, “The Roadmap program gave me a community of support. It helped me get my foot in the door to employment. Mr. Castillo, the instructor, assisted me with my communication skills, resume and cover letter. But more importantly, I was coached on how to address the blank years on my resume where I did not work and struggled to recover.”
Jennifer added, “The mock interviews I participated in were not only informative, they gave me the experience and opportunity to talk about my skills and past. My confidence was built-up and that prepared me for the real interview process. Today, I often encourage others to enroll in the program.”
It turned out that Pioneer had a few job openings and recruiting offered Jennifer a tech job on the manufacturing floor at Pioneer Industries. However, Jennifer did not want to work in manufacturing and she continued to meet with our recruiting specialists on finding a position where she could work with others in recovery and assist them on their journey. About a month later, a resident monitor position at the Dalton House opened and Jennifer was hired. The Dalton housed individuals in drug court and provided Jennifer with an opportunity to follow her passion in serving others.
“I love Pioneer. I knew I wanted to work here, but first I had to find the right fit and be hired! The resident monitor position gave me a second chance to prove myself on the job,” said Jennifer. She added, “The residents were amazing and I could relate with their struggles. In the position, I helped residents with local resources and listened to their concerns and needs. I also learned about managing and operating the apartment building. When the Dalton House was sold, I helped to transition the residents into other apartment buildings including some of Pioneer’s.”
After the Dalton House transition, Jennifer was promoted to apartment manager at the Granberg and Hudson House apartments on Capitol Hill in Seattle. She was still able to work with some of her former drug court residents that transitioned over from the Dalton and continued to use her skills in connecting with all the tenants.
“As an apartment manager, I worked to ensure that our residents are happy with their living situation. My daily duties included following up on maintenance, security, rent payments and any resident complaints/concerns. I also provided information on available resources from the community for our tenants who may be struggling with rent or accessing community resources. My team is amazing and I received great support from my supervisors and the Pioneer maintenance team as residents’ concerns and unit repairs are addressed in a timely manner,” Jennifer shared.
Jennifer is now transitioning into a case manager role at Aspen Terrace apartments. Her new role will include working with residents who are Veterans and she is excited to expand her skillset with the diverse population in residence.
She has a passion for meeting people where they are at and navigating residents through the steps needed to get acclimated to their new ‘home’ with us. Jennifer commented, “I always try to make myself available when residents have issues. My passion to help and support our residents and housing team takes precedent.”
Jennifer continued, “Communication has proven to be paramount as it helps me in not only building trust with our tenants, but it also is an important tool when dealing with conflict. In my daily work, I always try to incorporate the values that Pioneer embraces to include:
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
START WITH INTEGRITY
PURSUE EXCELLENCE
LEAD WITH COMPASSION
STAND FOR INCLUSION
I am very grateful to Pioneer and their mission to provide a chance for change and I am proud to be an employee.”