“You Always Know When Dale’s Here!”

Employment is a win-win situation for everyone

Dale was hired to work as a part-time courtesy clerk at the Madras Safeway store in January 2010. The management team changed a year later, but everyone there, from the old management team to the new management team, and all of Dale’s coworkers, have been wonderfully supportive. And Dale LOVES his Job! His responsibilities have gradually increased, and his self-esteem and sense of belonging have been greatly amplified.

 

As his job developer, I was first impressed with the staff’s willingness to match Dale’s abilities with their expectations of him. And as his job coach, I’m continually impressed with their investment in his success. His original assistant manager, Ryan Dillon, patiently mentored him with exemplary kindness, and spoke of how Dale’s employment at Safeway was a win-win situation for everyone. “He’s a key part of the store. You always know when Dale’s here! If someone’s having a bad day, he’ll ask how they’re doing.” Dale called Ryan his “bestest buddy”.

 

Our initial training during Dale’s first 90 days on the job was funded by the State of Oregon’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Full Access now funds the two hours I spend job coaching Dale each month. His supervisors and coworkers are all extremely supportive and helpful with both their praise AND their advice. He has a whole family of friends there, and he’s quick to point out that they all watch out for each other.

 

As an example, when one of his female coworkers was having a bad hair day, Dale discreetly let her know and helped her tuck it back into place. He said, “I’ll always let you know if your hair looks funny because I’m a good friend.” No one else had mentioned it to her, and she appreciated Dale saving her from potential embarrassment.

 

Another example was mentioned by Marie, who often works alone in the floral department. She always knows when Dale is working because he’s the only staff member who ALWAYS comes by to say hi and to ask if she needs boxes or trash removed. He just has a way of brightening everyone’s day.

 

Dale’s coworkers provide accommodation for Dale through their use of the store intercom to call Dale back from breaks because he doesn’t tell time. Management is sensitive to his bus schedule and doesn’t schedule him on weekends when the bus doesn’t run.

 

When a mystery shopper graded him for bagging groceries and making friendly small talk at a check stand, Dale received the highest possible score, raising the storewide score! Dale took that success very seriously, as did the entire staff, who showered him with congratulations!

 

Several months ago, Dale was issued his own set of keys to the bottle return machines. Since then, regular customers have learned to come looking for him – by name – to make quick fixes to the machines. He does so with speed, competence, patience, and good humor.

 

The new store manager, Ron Jones, is letting Dale stock special displays now. Dale is really enjoying learning this new skill and feels he’s more valuable to the team. And sometimes, he’s now the only courtesy clerk scheduled for the first couple of hours in the morning. He’s proud of his ability to juggle the responsibilities of that new role.

 

Dale’s original manager, Tapani Koski, said, “Sometimes we get sidetracked and forget what it’s all about. It’s really just about coming to work and doing a good job. Dale has a great attitude and is always happy to be here – a good reminder to us to keep going and work hard.” Written by Jill Duncan, Job Developer and Job Coach