Marcia Hultman

Brittney was referred to DLR by her Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She lacked work history due some health issues. DLR and Vocational Rehabilitation teamed up to help Brittney in her pursuit of employment in an office setting.

DLR and Vocational Rehabilitation assessed Brittney’s computer skills. She did an outstanding job. Brittney was set up with a work experience at DLR, where she could develop her keyboarding, customer service, phone and interpersonal skills. After successful completion of the work experience, she worked full time as a customer care and sales associate in the community, but the position was not a good fit.

Determined, Brittney did not give up. She continued to work with the staff at DLR and Vocational Rehabilitation where they set up another work experience as a receptionist.

When the work experience ended, Brittney became a temporary worker and continued to apply for jobs. Brittney wanted some training and met with DLR and Vocational Rehabilitation staff. She chose to work toward a degree in Medical Administration Assisting with Medical Billing and Coding through Ed2GO. Nine months later, she completed the course.
With an On-the-Job Training, Brittney successfully landed a job in sales and marketing.

Cohesive Effort Leads to Post-secondary Education Opportunity

Kari | Youth Participant

Kari spent time working with the Madison DLR to earn her GED certificate. After earning it, she moved to Mitchell and wanted to work in an office environment.

The DLR staff in the Mitchell office set up a work experience as a clerk. Kari needed appropriate work attire and DLR was able to help her get some new work clothes through support services. Her work experience work site supervisor stated she was very conscientious, had a positive attitude and demonstrated great attention to detail.

Kari continued her education, enrolling in the Accounting Program at Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI). The staff at Mitchell DLR extended her work experience so she could learn valuable accounting principles.

Thanks to the cohesive work of both the DLR offices in Madison and Mitchell, Kari competed her first semester at MTI in Accounting with a 4.0 GPA.

General Educational Development (GED) Certificate Expands Career Options

James | Youth Participant

James dropped out of high school. He realized that without a GED certificate his career options would be limited. The DLR staff in Aberdeen helped in his efforts to obtain a GED certificate. DLR also helped him get a job at a restaurant as a dishwasher. He moved up to train as a cook and received a wage increase.

James worked hard, and the financial incentives provided strengthened his desire to complete his GED. He has earned his GED certificate, is working and plans to attend college.

Trying Something New

Dorthey “Dottie” | 66-year-old Adult Participant

Dottie was terminated from her job in March 2017. She was employed as a Direct Support Professional. She filed for Unemployment Insurance benefits and began working with Shelly at the Vermillion Job Service office in May for basic Re-Employment Services. Dottie worked on Teknimedia to brush up on her computer skills. Her goal was to obtain full-time, long-term employment and she was willing to try something new. While she was working to broaden her skill set, a new start-up company opened in Vermillion. DLR offered the start-up 200 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) for Dottie to be trained as a team assembler. Dottie successfully completed the OJT.

During the final monitor, Dottie’s boss said she was wonderful and had nothing negative to say. She has picked up on the job very well and learned a great deal. Dottie said her supervisor was very patient and encouraging while she learned to cut, label, pack and measure. “I learned to do quality control and now understand the shipping aspect as well. This job flows well and everything seems to work well together,” Dottie said.

She continues to work there and enjoys her job. The employer is happy with her work.

Upgrade to Obtain Employment

Richard | 52-year-old Adult Participant

Richard was laid off in February 2017 from a welding company. Richard struggled to obtain employment again because of his offender record. He filed for Unemployment Insurance benefits and started working with Brad at the Vermillion Job Service office in March. Richard completed WorkKeys® and earned a gold level National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

Richard had a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) but felt upgrading to a Class A would make him more marketable to employers. Richard was approved for financial aid to attend truck driver training at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls. He attended class in June and obtained his Class A CDL. In July, he started working full time with training-related employment as a truck driver.

Employment for Independence

Caleb | Youth Participant

Caleb desired more work hours to start saving money to reach his goal of moving out on his own. He had worked in the food service department of a local health care facility for two years. He liked his job and was nervous about the possibility of resigning, but wanted to make more money. The Sioux Falls Job Service office helped him complete a master application and a mock interview. He also attended the Youth Passport Program to learn budgeting and finances to prepare for financial independence.

DLR helped him with job leads and he successfully secured a full-time job by the end of the summer. He is also staying at his part-time job to save money faster.

Caleb is looking forward to living independently.

Work Experience for the Busy Student

Morgan | Youth, TANF and SNAP Recipient

Morgan is a single parent and had never had employment experience. She wanted to go to the University of South Dakota (USD) to become a dental hygienist. Although DLR could not help her with school training, staff could help her gain some valuable job experience. While attending school, Morgan completed a Work Experience at a local library and learned how to balance her finances through a financial literacy class.

Morgan successfully completed her first semester at the University Center in Sioux Falls and gained employment experience and professional references.

Tuition Assistance

Chantel | SNAP Recipient, Adult Participant

Chantel is a single parent who had lost her job. She had some post-secondary education and wanted to continue in order to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Chantel completed assessments that confirmed the LPN program would be a good fit for her. DLR was able to assist her with tuition costs and scrubs for her course at Southeast Technical Institute.

Chantel struggled a little bit, but DLR staff encouraged her to work with a study group to help her prepare for exams. Her grades improved as a result of her hard work. Chantel also admitted she did not budget well enough and began to struggle financially. DLR assisted her with her financial shortfall for the summer session and she was able to get back on track for the fall semester.

Chantel is on track to graduate in a few months from the LPN program. DLR will continue to provide support services for her to pass the NCLEX exam to become a LPN.

Re-Employment Before Unemployment

Gwyn | Adult Participant

Gwyn had worked for a health care facility for 13 years, and her position was going to be eliminated. She wanted to begin the process of re-employment before she was unemployed. Gwyn had not performed a job search for many years, so she attended a Job Search Assistance Program (JSAP) workshop. DLR staff helped her with her resume and performed mock interviews. Gwyn applied for a job with the State of South Dakota. She completed one phone interview and two in-person interviews, and successfully landed the job.

Start Again on the Path to Success

Jean | 53-year-old, underemployed

Jean was earning a salary of $9.33 per hour as a housekeeper at a nursing home. She had an extensive history in housekeeping and environmental services. She was also a nun for over 25 years. It was her employment goal to work in a more Christian environment.

In November, Jean came to the Aberdeen Job Service office for assistance applying for a housekeeping position at a Christian college. Jean felt her experience as a nun would help her fit in well as she would work with other sisters and be near the convent. Although Jean had limited computer skills, she worked on her resume on her own in the Resource Room. Jean applied for the position but did not understand the online application process. Holly helped her throughout the process, but she was not offered the position.

Jean attended a Job Search Assistance Program (JSAP) workshop. She learned a lot and was glad she attended. She was signed-up for Teknimedia as well. In December, Jean’s next steps were unclear to her and she was taking medications for anxiety. She was referred to Vocational Rehabilitation, but she did not make an appointment and told Holly she needed some time to figure things out on her own accord. Holly followed-up three weeks later but did not hear back from Jean.

In January, Jean contacted Holly and wanted to continue to challenge herself to work on her computer skills and resume. Two days after they spoke and made an appointment to meet again, the housekeeping position and the Christian college was re-opened. Holly made contact with their Human Resources department and immediately began working with Jean on her application. Jean was offered a full-time job for $11.00 per hour and she would no longer have to work weekends.

Holly followed-up with her a few weeks later. Jean said she “liked it and was meeting new people” and she “really looked forward to going to work.” Jean said she would not have the job if she had not made contact with DLR and was very thankful.

On-the-Job Training Becomes Permanent

Kelan | In-school Youth

Kelan completed his High School Diploma through the Adult Transition Program in Rapid City. He suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Kelan completed the Project Search program and worked in the pharmacy at a local hospital. Kelan was working towards becoming a board certified pharmacy technician while working as a pharmacy technician in training through the Board of Pharmacy. Kelan found his own apartment and wanted to find employment. DLR helped Kelan obtain On-the-Job Training (OJT) as an administrative assistant.

The OJT is 640 hours and, if successful, Kelan will have a permanent position when it is completed. Kelan is still working to become a pharmacy technician.

Disability Employment

Jesse | Adult Participant, DEI

Jesse has a disability and had been unemployed long-term, but came to DLR for assistance finding employment. He was finishing his training through Pine Ridge Job Corps in Nebraska and wanted to move home to South Dakota. While in Job Corps, Jesse received a certificate in Construction/Carpentry. DLR referred him to Vocational Rehabilitation services and provided him with resume preparation, mock interviews and job search assistance.

DLR had reached out to several businesses to offer a Work Experience or On-the-Job Training (OJT) for Jesse. A log construction company was interested in Jesse and was able to hire him with the help of OJT from DLR. Jesse learned a lot during his OJT and the employer is happy with the outcome.

Overcoming a Learning Disability

Heather | 18-year-old In-school Youth

Heather was attending her senior year of high school with a learning disability in regards to reading. She was working with Vocational Rehabilitation. DLR helped Heather complete Reality Check training to learn about personal finance and a career exploration for mechanical engineering.

Upon completing high school, Heather wanted to get her associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Assistance. She was accepted into Western Iowa Technical College to pursue the degree. Vocational Rehabilitation provided her with a new computer with adaptive technology software to help her overcome her learning disability. DLR funded occupational skills training for two years at Western Iowa Technical Institute. She successfully completed her classes with a study group.

DLR assisted her with a resume and mock interviewing skills, and coordinated an interview and job development for a mechanical drafter position with a local employer. Heather started her new position on at $18.50 an hour.

Heather is doing well and enjoys her new job.

Employer Support

Tiffany | In-school Youth

Tiffany was attending her last year of high school. She was enrolled in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) while participating in the Vocational Rehabilitation Project Skills/Project Search program. Her long-term goal was to gain full-time employment. DLR, Vocational Rehabilitation and Career Advantage assisted her along the way. Upon completion of Project Search employment, she earned her high school diploma. She was hired and worked full-time for the employer until she was terminated in February for poor performance and attitude. With support and meetings with her Integrated Resource Team of Vocational Rehabilitation, Career Advantage and DLR, Tiffany created a new employment plan. She worked with Vocational Rehabilitation on healthy relationships, and her Career Job Coach helped with completing applications. DLR provided appropriate job listings.

Tiffany applied, interviewed and was eventually hired in April as a general retail worker. Tiffany works full-time and earns $9.25/hour.

Her supervisors have been excellent in working with Tiffany, taking time to work with her one on one to improve skills in relationships, coping, attitude, problem solving, customer service and job performance skills. Her Career job coach continues to maintain contact and helps with processing any issues. Tiffany continues to contact her DLR specialist on weekly basis with updates and concerns.

The process has not been without some issues, but the employer has proven willingness to invest time to ensure the success of their staff and their business. Tiffany continues to work and her performance levels continue to improve.

Moving on from Mistakes

Wendy | Adult Participant

Wendy came to DLR trying to secure full-time employment. Wendy's felony charge made it challenging to achieve her goals, and she incurred a great deal of debt. Therefore, while Wendy was working on various programs, she needed income. Wendy applied, interviewed and was hired as a night auditor for a hotel. She was trained and scheduled approximately 30 hours per week, earning $10.50 per hour. The scheduled allowed her the ability to attend Community Benefit Inventory for Social Accountability (CBISA), counseling and appointments with her DLR specialist.

Based on Wendy’s interests and goals, she was referred to an assistant manager position at a retail store. When Wendy was contacted for an interview, the DLR specialist discussed how to handle any background questions. Wendy stated on the application she had been incarcerated and stressed her hard work to improve herself. She was determined and capable of moving on from her mistakes. Wendy was offered the job at the interview, but still needed to go through the background check before she would be able to start. The background check took two weeks, and was approved. Wendy attended training at the store's headquarters and started work for $13 per hour.

Wendy continues with the assistant manager position and says she “just loves her job.”

Journey to Re-employment

Marla | 51-year-old Adult Participant

Marla worked in hospitality and struggled to find a good paying job. At her initial Re-employment Services (RES) appointment, she said her husband is a truck driver and she would be interested in getting her Class A CDL. She attended a Job Search Assistance Program class to prepare her for future interviews, filling out applications and putting together a resume. Upon completion of her assessments and interest survey, DLR determined truck driving would be a good fit. Marla completed all the requirements to enroll at a technical school to begin working on her Class A CDL. Marla also attended a financial literacy class to ensure she would have the financial means to take care of her finances while training. Marla completed her CDL in May of 2018. She was immediately hired by a trucking company in June and started fulltime in July. She really enjoys her new job and is very pleased with the opportunities DLR provided for her.

On the Road to Success

Yolanda | 46-year-old Adult Participant

Yolanda was a full-time employee as a direct support professional in our community. Widowed in 2011, she had put her needs on the backburner for her children. After talking it over with her family, she went to her local job service office and asked about training to obtain her commercial driver’s license (CDL). A love of travel had been instilled at an early age thanks to living in a military family. In January 2018, she began attending the Professional Truck Driving Program at Mitchell Technical Institute. She has done a good job and said, “With all the information I’m obtaining and useful tips, I know I have made the right choice in my new career. Not only will I get to visit new places, but also earn a paycheck in doing so. I will also be able to help my son when he successfully completes his rehab and to afford to take a real vacation with my family.”
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Support and Coaching Invaluable in Job Hunt

Peggy | Trade Adjustment Act (TAA)

Peggy began working with Aberdeen DLR to secure an office position. She had experience in receptionist and legal secretary work. Peggy completed the National Career Readiness Certificate, attended a Job Search Assistance Program class, received one-on-one job search assistance, resume/cover letter assistance, and direct referrals to reliable positions in the community.

She obtained a full-time reservation sales associate position at Wyndham Hotel group. Six months later the company announced it was permanently closing. Her job was being outsourced to foreign competition.

Three employees from Wyndham submitted petitions and were awarded benefits from the Trade Adjustment Act (TAA). DLR staff and Peggy worked closely to determine what she wanted to do.

She started a part-time job at the Uniform Outlet, but wanted more responsibility and interaction. Because of their close working relationship, DLR staff was able to refer Peggy for a full-time Employment Services Assistant (ESA) position at the Aberdeen Job Service office. To prepare Peggy for the application process, they reviewed resumes, cover letters, and interviewing tips. Peggy was hired and started in September 2017. Peggy loves her job and the people she works with. She uses her skills and abilities in a fulfilling way. She attributes her success to the support and coaching she received from her WIOA employment specialist

Finding Flexible Employment

Todd | Dislocated Worker

Todd owned his own business for many years and was forced to close. DLR got to know Todd better by helping provide information at a Rapid Response. Once the business was auctioned off, he came to DLR for help.

Todd’s goal was to find employment where he could either find a job using his mechanic degree or his CDL. The biggest challenge was finding employment flexible with Todd’s daycare provider. Todd’s daughter was a huge reason on why he wanted to stay in the same location, plus Todd had family support nearby.

Todd applied for the TANF program. He was required to work 20 hours per week at a community service site and complete one hour of Job Search. The Employment Specialist assisted Todd with job referrals, resume preparation and enrollment in WIOA. On average, Todd would apply at three jobs per week.

Todd posted his resume on SDWORKS. An employer who didn’t have a job posted publicly in SDWORKS found Todd’s resume and requested an interview. Todd got the job three weeks after applying for TANF. DLR also helped Todd through support services, such as getting work attire and appropriate shoes for his new job.

Finding the Right Fit

Melissa | 21-year-old Adult Participant

When Melissa came to DLR, she had no idea what she wanted to do. She had a poor work history and limited income. Based off information she provided, DLR referred her to Vocational Rehabilitation Services, but assessments revealed that she did not qualify for their services.

To figure out what she might like to do, she completed an interest assessment at My Next Move and DLR went over the results with her. Melissa's first choice was a receptionist or clerical worker, but only because she wanted to work during the day and dress up. Melissa scored high in the Artistic category on the interest assessment and chose to job shadow at a local flower shop. The shop was too chaotic for her, so next she explored her interest in baking and decorating by visiting a local business that served limited lunches and made and decorated cupcakes. Melissa didn't think it was the right fit either.

She had talked about working with her dad, who is a carpenter, so DLR contacted a local cabinet building shop. Melissa’s interest while touring the shop could be seen and heard in the questions she asked. DLR started to plan a Work Experience that day. Melissa completed the work experience and received a job offer, but she still needed a lot of training. DLR offered a 480-hour On-the-Job Training (OJT), which Melissa completed in April 2018. She is now a full-time employee.

Overcoming a Stroke

Brett | 55-year-old SNAP and SSDI recipient

Brett had a stroke about three years ago that affected his left side. He is unable to use his left arm and uses a cane. He has about one year of college training in computer science. Brett had not worked since August 2014 and was referred by Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

DLR assisted him with his resume, interviewing skills and employment plan. He wanted a position as a computer technician or a human resources, library or office position that matched his physical abilities.

DLR referred him to several jobs at businesses and after discussing openings at a local monument company, he applied on his own for an office assistant position there.

DLR and Vocational Rehabilitation Services contacted the employer to set up a possible On-the-Job Training (OJT); the employer agreed to a 117-hour part-time OJT position as an office assistant. DLR helped complete a a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) certificate for the employer. The employer was impressed with DLR services and was interested in setting up other possible OJTs with other job seekers in Chamberlain and Pierre.

Brett started his position in March 2018, and is doing great. He and the employer provided positive feedback during the first monitor. He has learned new skills such as answering the phone, assisting customers with orders, and sending out letters to potential customers. Brett has enjoyed learning about all the memorial headstones and designs. Black Hills Special Services assisted him with reporting his income to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Dakota Link provided an adaptive technology assessment and helped him with voice recognition software. Brett also adjusted his computer to expand the memory to download the new software into the system.

Read more Showcase of Successes in our archive.