Dedicated to Helping People Help Themselves

Maureen Kennedy – Job Seeker Specialist

“Everyone has a story. I listen to them. I don’t just hear them.” This approach to her work as Job Seeker Specialist is what has enabled Maureen Kennedy to see each client as an individual, thus providing them with the continued encouragement and expertise necessary for them to persevere in finding meaningful employment. As a result, GECAC’s Supported Engagement Program reported the highest number of job placements in the state during the first six months of the program in 2006. Maureen’s dedication hasn’t waned since.

The clients Maureen helps are referred by the MPP team at the County Assistance Office. These clients have multiple barriers to employment and are mandated to participate in the program due to nearing the end of their benefit period. This mandate often causes clients to approach the program with their guards up. To counteract this during the first interview, Maureen highlights how the program will benefit the client and stresses that it is an opportunity that not everyone is provided. From past struggles in her own life, Maureen knows where the clients are coming from and wants to help them. “I give everyone the benefit of the doubt – no judgments, but I expect cooperation. Anything that I can do, I do.” This ‘do whatever it takes’ attitude once compelled Maureen to give a participant some of her own clothes so the client would have an appropriate attire to wear to a newly found job.

Maureen’s second client in the Supported Engagement program is one who still sticks in her mind. This women presented a tough persona during her interview and classes. Maureen was not sure if her efforts were working. One day a couple months into the program, Maureen overheard the client telling a co-worker, “One day I’m gonna dress like her and be like her” while pointing to Maureen. The women obtained a job at Telatron. After a couple years, Maureen saw her while visiting Telatron. The women was dressed in professional dress and was quick to tell her co-workers how Maureen had believed in her and supported her in her job search.

“I see myself and where I was. Someone believed in me to give me that opportunity. I can see it in others.”