Aleksandr DeAmario, left, with Billy Carroll, who is employed at Bertolino Foods
Not that long ago, Aleksandr DeAmario was searching for his own dream job, and now he’s coaching others to find theirs.
DeAmario has served as a job coach in Northeast Arc’s Community Employment division for almost three years. In order to place his clients in positions, he consults with job developers, who form relationships with the hiring businesses, and who work with participants to identify potential career paths. The job coaches provide hands-on training and support as soon as the job starts, and then fade their support based upon the needs of the employee and the employer. The coaches provide additional supports as requested whenever a job function changes or more tasks are added.
“In this line of work, I can actually see results,” DeAmario said. “I can see the progress of someone coming in without a job to later working independently. I enjoy getting to know the individuals. Everyone has so many unique interests, and you work together to help them succeed. It’s like having a close friend who you’re helping out.”
DeAmario works with 10 clients, including Northeast Arc CEO Jo Ann Simons’ son, Jonathan. Since the end of June, Jonathan has been working in the maintenance department at the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore.
In terms of placement, Starbucks has been a consistent employer, as well as Amazing Pizza in Salem, Gordon College, Crosby’s Marketplace in Manchester-by-the-Sea, McKinnon’s Market in Danvers, and more.
DeAmario earned a degree in early education from Dean College and another in human services from Salem State University. He started working at Northeast Arc a decade ago as a counselor in the organization’s Spotlight program. The program provides Applied Behavior Analysis services to participants ages 6-22, in a group setting. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety and other related diagnoses are eligible. In his youth, DeAmario actually participated in the Spotlight program himself.
“I had ADD, so I can relate to some of the clients when they get distracted,” he said. “I learned tips and tricks to better manage things.”
Before joining the Northeast Arc staff, DeAmario, who lives in Topsfield, worked as a paraprofessional and also in after-school programs. He feels as though he’s found the perfect fit with Northeast Arc.
“It’s rewarding,” he said. “I get to meet so many great people.”