Hiring Assistance refers to the various support services available to individuals with disabilities in order to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment. These services are provided at no cost to the individual. Hiring Assistance may be offered through an individual’s service provider, a local agency on disability, or a community-based program. Examples of these programs include vocational rehabilitation, employment resource centers, sheltered workshops and training opportunities through the social security administration’s Ticket to Work program.
In addition to providing job assistance, these programs can also provide guidance and support for employers who want to hire more people with disabilities. In addition, they can connect employers with other organizations and programs that can help them make the most of hiring accommodations, such as visual or auditory aids, modified keyboards and mouses, large monitors, specialized software and adaptive computer equipment.
The Responsibilities of a Recruiting Assistant
A recruiting assistant can be tasked with screening resumes and interview schedules for qualified job candidates. Their responsibilities can also include posting jobs on social media platforms, conducting background checks, and supporting the new hire process. They should be familiar with applicant tracking systems, looking for operational efficiencies and suggesting user enhancements.
Ultimately, this role serves as the primary support for recruitment efforts in HR and the primary contact for all recruiting questions via phone, email and face-to-face meetings. The recruitment assistant will also monitor the company’s applicant tracking system for daily new applicants and self-apply applications. They will be responsible for preparing comprehensive associate and summer associate application packets to be reviewed by recruitment coordinators.
To attract and retain talent, companies need to offer a competitive salary and benefits package. If they are unable to compete with other employers in their industry, then they can expect to struggle to fill open positions. It is also important to be transparent with potential employees about what they can expect to receive in return for their time and energy.
In some cases, the government can provide financial incentives for businesses that are willing to employ more people with disabilities. For example, the Department of Labor’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services program provides financial assistance to eligible people with disabilities to help them prepare for and find employment. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) has an office that can provide information about federal employment laws and how they apply to specific disabilities.
When hiring, it’s essential to set inclusive goals and clearly communicate them to departments and hiring managers throughout the organization.