DES and The Precisionists Bring Employment, Increased Self-Esteem to DDD Member, and Peace of Mind to His Parents
Frank, Jose and Maria enjoy their time together.
In 2019, the Department of Economic Security (DES) and The Precisionists Inc. (TPI) announced the creation of an innovative program, known as the “Phoenix Precision Project,” to provide employment opportunities for adults with autism and other neurodiversities. Participants in the program are assessed, trained and employed by TPI to carry out project-based work in areas such as data analytics, data entry and auditing reports. After hearing TPI was hiring again, DDD Support Coordinator Gerardo Velasquez immediately thought of Jose, a DDD member interested in employment.
Jose at the home computer.
There are no job interviews in TPI’s hiring process. Instead, the company invites prospects to join a Zoom meeting where the employer explains TPI’s purpose and the open job opportunities. Applicants are then encouraged to attend TPI classes. “We picked the first one they had,” said Jose. “A few days after my class ended, I got hired!”
Jose works for TPI as a data analyst in the DDD Chandler Office. The work is exacting and tedious. “My job is to help assist the [DDD] SCs with the members by putting in numbers, and also organizing files of members,” said Jose. Currently, Jose conducts peer reviews of his colleagues' work. “It’s really good [work]. The people there are nice.”
Jose at home.
Jose greatly enjoys the decompressing activities toward the end of the day. At 4:00, the team usually takes a breather to play games or physically stretch. TPI also holds team-building exercises where the employees engage in Pictionary, 20 Questions, Name That Tune, and Trivia Tuesdays. Many of the activities are done online because the employees feel more comfortable staying within their own cubicles. “We just have fun answering questions,” said Jose. “We are usually emailed who’s the winner.”
Another plus of the job is all the support employees receive. If he has questions, his supervisor is always around to help him out. “That’s what he likes,” said Maria, Jose’s mother, “and he doesn’t feel as stressed when he has someone there to help him.”
One of the gifts Jose, Maria, and his father, Frank, share is the ability to turn lemons into lemonade. The family lives in Casa Grande and the job is in Chandler. Jose doesn’t drive so his parents–particularly his father–drive him to work and back. In Frank’s opinion: “I think this is a great chance to have a little father and son time, which we really, really enjoy. Then when we go pick him up, Maria comes along, so it’s like a family outing every day.”
“We’re really proud of what has happened with Jose but none of that would happen without the Department’s help,” said Frank, “and I think that needs to be emphasized because that’s a fact.”
“We feel good seeing that he feels good about himself; having that employment and his self-esteem,” said Maria. “He’s doing something he likes. It is stressful but he’s learning and it’s beautiful to see him growing that way.”
The family has always felt they’ve been “extremely supported” by DDD. “I’m sure he’ll be supported long after we’re gone,” said Frank. “He’ll have that support, and that gives us peace of mind.”
Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
Jose is just one example of how employment can add value to the growth of DDD members! Interested in learning more about job opportunities for individuals with disabilities? Read up on DDD Member Employment Services or contact your support coordinator. Additional employment services for all job seekers with disabilities are offered through the DES Rehabilitation Services Administration.