L to R: David Dwyer, Joshua Toner, Mike Murtha
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” (Henry Ford)
(Auburn, Maine) – Joshua Toner of Lewiston, Maine, was recently presented with the Retained Placement Award at Work Opportunities Unlimited. Given annually, Toner received the award for excellence in supported employment and the important role he plays in assisting people with disabilities with job retention.
Work Opportunities Unlimited is a community-based, employment service provider that specializes in placing people with disabilities, and job seekers who experience barriers to employment, in competitive work environments. As a Career Resource Specialist, Toner dedicates his days to finding jobs for people with disabilities and helping them retain those jobs through consistent training and coaching. He’s also a consultant for employers; helping them achieve a diverse workforce and teaching them how to support these individuals in the workplace.
“I nominated Josh for the Retained Placement Award because of his extraordinary commitment to helping individuals maintain their jobs,” says Michael Murtha, Director of Work Opportunities in Auburn, Maine. “Josh also provides excellent support in helping employers develop and maintain a diverse workforce; essentially, Josh is changing the world of work, one client at a time.”
Through his work, Toner gives the individual the skills and confidence they need to successfully perform their job duties. He’s a hands-on support system, providing on-the-job training for the individual while they learn to navigate their specific job duties and build their role in their workplace.
“Recently, Josh played an instrumental and influential role in assisting a client to achieve his employment goals through creativity, patience, excellent communication, effective retention planning including employer coaching, successful interventions, and natural supports development,” says Murtha. “Due to Josh’s extraordinary support and services, the client was not only able to become proficient in his primary job’s tasks and responsibilities, he was given more hours, additional responsibilities and invited to a corporate banquet where he was recognized for his outstanding work. Josh truly cares about every individual he serves and in helping them achieve their goals, and I am so proud to have him as a member of our team.”
“I always strive to provide the individuals we serve the best service I can possibly give to help them find and maintain their employment,” says Toner. “I just wanted to say that this award would not have been possible without the support of the Auburn team and our leader Mike Murtha. In Auburn, we work as a team and maintain a great working relationship and a deep respect for one another. It is an honor to work for this company and a privilege to help the individuals we serve.”
About Work Opportunities Unlimited: With operations throughout the eastern United States, Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) is a community-based employment service provider. The company serves thousands of adults and students annually. In addition to private citizens, WOU provides services to individuals referred by school districts, vocational rehabilitation programs, development disability agencies, Departments of Mental Health, Transitional Assistance, and Children and Families, as well as the U.S. Social Security Administration through the Ticket to Work program. For information, visit www.workopportunities.net.
