Congratulations to Shanae J. on being named the November Employee of the Month at SSM Health
St. Mary’s Hospital. Shanae has been working in Environmental Services for the past eight months, providing SSM’s exceptional level of customer service while cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms.
Shanae was able to obtain this role with the assistance of a Career Consultant at the St. Louis Arc and the collaborative efforts of Vocational Rehab, Special School District (SSD), and SSM Health. This partnership provides training opportunities for eight SSD students with the goal of obtaining a job in the hospital by end of the school year. The staffs at SSD and the Arc collaborate to match students to the departments or positions of their choice and to a mentor, to help them gain a comprehensive understanding of their desired position.
While Shanae was not a student of the program, the Arc’s partnership with SSD and SSM made the path to successful employment smoother. The Supported Employment staff at the Arc also support Shanae in her job at the Fox Theatre. A devoted mother, Shanae wanted to ensure she had stable employment during the Fox’s off season. After accessing VR services, Shanae was able to find a second position with SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital with the assistance of the Arc and Barbara Toulster, Director of DePaul Hospital Auxiliary/Volunteer Services Coordinator and SSM Health STL Supported Employment.
The Arc has worked with SSM Health, including St. Mary’s and DePaul hospitals, for the past four years. The collaboration has truly been a success with the Arc supporting 27 individuals, including Shanae, in finding and maintaining employment within the SSM Health system.