Autism Advantage @ Work is a Career Development Initiative to place individuals with an Autism diagnosis for job placement in the information technology industry. HMEA will partner with the Arc of Philadelphia to utilize the proven implementation methodology for individuals with autism that has been used successfully in their relationship with SAP. HMEA will work with Dell EMC as their local employment partner. Dell EMC will provide 5-7 job opportunities across multiple business units for their initial engagement. Each job opening will have required skill sets that all candidates must display experience in or competency for. All candidates must have an autism diagnosis
HMEA will identify and evaluate multiple candidates for each job Dell would like to fill. Candidates will be found using a wide network of state agencies like the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and the Department of Developmental Services as well as local colleges, trade schools and adult service providers. The goal is to develop a candidate pool of up to 6 candidates per job opening, therefore the pool will be 40+ candidates.
Out of the Candidate pool, applicants will be selected to participate in a 4-6 week enterprise skills training period referred to as a Cohort, the Cohort will encompass social skills, work skills, and industry specific content. Elements of the training include course modules on social skills in the workplace, stress busters, staying focused, hidden curriculum, electronic communication, and self-advocacy and disclosure. The Cohort will conclude with a team based problem-solving project.
At the end of the cohort, Dell hiring managers will make offers of employment to the applicants they select for a paid internship. All Applicants not selected will be considered for future openings with Dell and positions with other employment partners.
To inquire about the program, contact Herb or Russ or fill out the form below.
Herb Cabral Russell Leete
978-808-3302 508-298-1103
hcabral@hmea.org rleete@hmea.org
