Jeff’s goal had always been to work in an office with computers. After college, Jeff was dealing with health issues that made navigating his employment goals difficult, and he decided to seek out both treatment and assistance in the job hunt. After working with the Prince William County Health Services Board in Virginia, he connected with a job coach and began a job stocking shelves at a supermarket and volunteering with a hospital billing department. This was a good experience, but Jeff’s goal was to work in an office with computers.
Quickly recognizing his talent and abilities, Jeff’s job coach introduced him to ServiceSource, and he secured a customer service representative position on an AbilityOne contract at the Department of Defense Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
With the support and training from ServiceSource Jeff quickly gained new skills and confidence. “Talking to people used to scare me, but now I am used to opening up to people,” Jeff explained.
The coaching and support provided by ServiceSource helped Jeff grow both personally and professionally. He acquired specialized computer skills and a desire to help his teammates however he could. Within six months of starting his new job, Jeff was promoted from a customer service representative to a computerized maintenance management system manager
Jeff is responsible for managing complex software systems for inputting work orders and tracking inventory. He ensures all relevant information is tracked and reported correctly and helps troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Nowadays, he is a go-to person for people at his office looking for training and assistance.
“Everyone is one big team, and wants to help you - you only have to ask,” says Jeff about his colleagues. “They will be very supportive but still hold you to a standard - a helping hand and a firm hand at the same time. They want you to succeed”
Jeff has accomplished many things during his time at ServiceSource, including covering multiple positions in his department, designing and leading training programs for his colleagues, and becoming more comfortable with public speaking. Through his dedication, he has twice been named Employee of the Quarter and, in 2023, AbilityOne’s Employee of the Year.
For individuals with disabilities in similar situations looking for a job, Jeff highly recommends the PWC and AbilityOne programs that have helped him come this far. His overall advice: “Keep trying!”