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Flowing Through It: How Employment Services Support Clients, Their Confidence, and New Career Opportunities

By Lauren Tilghman 

For over 20 years, Inglis Employment Services (IES) program has helped people with disabilities prepare and connect with the job opportunities that emphasize their talents and passions. IES works with every client to create a customized employment plan that addresses any challenges or barriers they’re experiencing; and aligns their goals with the careers they want to pursue. For people like Ethan Reilly, Inglis’ Employment program helped create a clearer path for his professional pursuits. A graduate of Vanderbilt University—with a dual degree in public policy and engineering science— Ethan has a deep passion for conservation work and creating a cleaner environment for those in his community and beyond. Early in his adult life he was diagnosed with severe social anxiety and depression; the experience at one point became so debilitating that he withdrew from his career to recover. Overtime with therapeutic supports, Ethan was ready to return to work but wasn’t keen on the first steps to take. That’s when he learned about the employment resources offered through the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) from his therapist. 

In Pennsylvania OVR provides individualized workforce development to people with physical, mental, intellectual, or emotional impairment disabilities— by connecting them with employment organizations near their homes. Inglis Employment Services received Ethan’s case, and introduced him to Lekan Ogungbeni, the Employment Specialist that would support the next step in his professional journey. “He was really wonderful;” shared Reilly. “He talked me through what my goals were, [and] what I thought I might want to focus on in our sessions.” 

Lekan met with Ethan 1-2 times a week at his local library to support him through tailoring his resume, applying for jobs, and run through mock interviews. Overtime as Ethan would get invited for interviews Lekan would adapt their practice interviews as much as possible to mimic the questions that Ethan might be asked about specific positions he was pursuing. The practice paid off and Ethan landed a role as a Science Technician at the Philadelphia Water Department at its Northeast Wastewater Pollution Control Plant. In his day-to-day work he performs tests to ensure that the excess water treated at the Plant is processed thoroughly enough to safely be released back into the Delaware River. While the IES program does offer additional continued coaching support for anyone who needs it after acquiring a job; Ethan felt confident navigating his new role independently. “He was there for me, and I ended up really enjoying the work and taking to it like a ‘fish to water,’” shared Reilly. “I didn’t actually need to follow-up with Lekan, but what he really did is he formed that bridge for me.” 

Nearly a year into his new role, Ethan’s in his element, but still has dreams of furthering his career in environmental governance possibly as a policy analyst and may even pursue his master’s degree in public policy. When he reflects on his journey back to establishing his career—it was Inglis Employment Services that helped remind him that he has the skills to take on any step or opportunity he seeks. “[At times] I’m going to feel like my path forward is uncertain,” shared Reilly. “But what I know now is that I can rely on that ability to grow and meet the moment, right? That’s what working with Lekan proved to me.”

For more information on how Inglis Employment Services program supports professional placement and career success for both businesses and people with disabilities, visit www.inglis.org/IES.