Success Story
JP
Janitor - Rock Creek Fire Department at Kimberly, Idaho
“Being around the fire fighters and watching them respond to an alarm and leave the station to fight a fire is my favorite part of my job. I do my part to make sure the station is safe and clean. I enjoy being part of the team.” – JP, VR Customer
Story
“We treat JP like one of the crew here. He is part of our team and family. We make sure to include JP in all news and activities related to the fire house.” – Taylor Hunsaker, Rock Cree k Fire Department Lieutenant
JP applied for VR services in June of 2023 as a self-referral for assistance to obtain a part-time job that would allow him to be more active in his community. After leaving his previous long-term position, it was identified that JP would benefit from the support that VR can provide for his goal of obtaining and maintaining a new job.
JP and his VR Counselor completed an interest inventory assessment that indicated, based on his interests, that janitorial type work would be a good fit. Janitorial type of work also aligned with JP’s previous work experience that he found fulfillment in.
Throughout the process of identifying what type of work JP would want to pursue, JP also expressed an interest in the world of firefighting and that he would consider working that environment his dream job.
Once his goal of obtaining a janitorial job was solidified with his VR Counselor, JP was then referred to a community rehabilitation provider to obtain one-on-one support with his job search.
In January 2024, JP received a job offer to work as a part-time janitor at the Rock Creek Fire Department.
When JP obtained his new employment position, he received direct support on the job from a job coach to learn his new work tasks, understand the expectations of his employer, and to assist him in meeting those requirements of his new position.
JP continues to work part-time at the fire department and receives on-the-job support from a job coach, who continues to assist him in reaching his and his employer’s goals.
“From the day of the intake JP stated that he really wanted to be able to work around fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. It has been amazing to watch JP gain confidence and grow as a part of the team at the Rock Creek Fire Department. I am so happy for JP and his continued success at his job.” – Brian Patingre, VR Counselor