Dow Rummel has 278 employees, and six have identified as having a disability. Employees with disabilities work in food service, housekeeping, and as a receptionist.
The Human Resource Department is responsible for posting and attracting leads. Once someone applies, the applications and resumes are forwarded to the department managers to determine which applicants will be interviewed.
Some staff with disabilities have worked at Dow Rummel for over five years. Accommodations that have been provided include more breaks, sitting on a chair when doing certain tasks, or working shorter shifts.
Dow Rummel became a site for Project SEARCH this school year. There are 6 Project SEARCH interns. Project SEARCH is a unique business-led transition program for students with disabilities (18-21 years of age). Students who want to work have the chance to explore careers and develop transferable job skills. The goal of the Project SEARCH program is competitive employment for each intern. Designed as an internship program, Project SEARCH affords students the opportunity to put employability skills into practice. They receive support with accommodations, adaptations, and on-the-job coaching.
Charlotte Hayes, Executive Director of Human Resources at Dow Rummel, shares, “The biggest benefit of employing people with disabilities is seeing our staff and residents embrace them. You can see it in the way they also push them to accomplish more difficult tasks that will stretch them! Employing people with disabilities affects our company culture by creating a sense of belonging for EVERYONE. It shows new and existing employees that everyone belongs here and is embraced no matter what!”
Currently Dow Rummel is hiring dishwashers and servers in their restaurant, deli and main kitchen. Applications can be found online at www.dowrummel.com. Click on “Connect with Us,” then careers and volunteers. If anyone has trouble filling out the online application, they can drop their resume off at the front desk at Dow Rummel or email it to [email protected]. Charlotte is also happy to have applicants come in and assist them through the process. She can be reached at 605-575-0262.
