Photo provided Josh McAlpine worked with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Community Employment Services to gain his job at Rural King, and his hard work has paid off with prior recognition as an employee of the month, but it also gives him a sense of independence.

STEUBENVILLE – Josh McAlpine has learned to take on responsibilities in the workplace and is thriving as a result.

McAlpine has served as a cashier at Rural King in Steubenville for the past two years and said he has been gaining a lot of experience.

“I completed a lot of training on the computer before starting to learn to use the equipment,” he said, adding that it helped familiarize him with his duties and surroundings. “I like it. All of the customers here are friendly, and I like making the popcorn at the front of the store.”

Born in Weirton, he graduated from Weir High School but currently lives in Toronto. He counts playing basketball — something he has done with the Jefferson County All-Stars Special Olympics team — and watching the West Virginia University Mountaineers among his hobbies. He said working with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Community Employment Services enabled him to gain employment as well as a sense of independence. McAlpine was aided by JCBDD Community Employment Specialists Renee Pastre Hanlin and Elyzabeth Grimm, and noted how helpful the program has been.

“I think they are really nice. If I ever need something, my mom and dad will give them a call, or they will check on me,” McAlpine added. “They helped me find this job, and I plan to keep it for a long time.”

Grimm explained that McAlpine had a case through the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), while he had another job and wanted to change employment. McAlpine contacted his OOD counselor and created a plan to meet his needs. He began working with CES and interviewed with Rural King, then received his new job.

Pastre Hanlin conducted job coaching with McAlpine, which occurred two to three times a week for one hour in the beginning, and she would facilitate with the manager if needed. Once he was settled, she began discreetly visiting him twice a month.

“This is a very difficult job because there are so many items in the store and he has to identify all of them,” she said. “He’s had quite the learning experience.”

CES offers a range of services beyond just employment assistance. Individuals can receive tutoring for permits, support in job searches, and help with interview skills and resume writing, while the summer youth program gives teens exposure to the working world by performing maintenance at community parks and facilities.

“We can accompany participants to interviews, conduct follow-ups, and provide job coaching as needed. However, the support is temporary and lasts only until they become acclimated to their new roles,” Grimm said. “A unique feature of our program is the lifelong follow-up services. We check in with our participants once a month as long as they remain employed.”

In the meantime, McAlpine’s hard work has paid off and he previously earned kudos as Employee of the Month.

“Josh is a very good worker,” said store operations manager Sue Hickman. “He’s very polite and works well with the customers.”

“Josh is definitely a success story,” Grimm added. “As long as he is happy at his job and he is part of the community, that is a success for me.”