News Releases

Governor's Commission Examines Local Employee Placement

FEBRUARY 2013

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Employers who hire people with disabilities are the focus of an open meeting with the Governor's Commission on Jobs For Floridians With Disabilities this February 8, 2013. The event is being held at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, University Student Center 200 6th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL and is open to all.

PlacementWorks was selected by the State commission to feature several of the employers that have successfully hired people with disabilities. Both Publix Supermarkets and the local Hilton are participating in the discussion. The companies will be discussing their positive experiences of hiring and working with persons with disabilities placed by PlacementWorks. A portion of the commissions' directive is to promote awareness among employers as to the potential benefits and return on investment persons with disabilities offer employers and Florida's economy.

PlacementWorks has successfully place people with varying abilities throughout Tampa Bay and Pinellas county. PlacementWorks has worked continually to break the barriers that prevent employers from diversifying their workforce, and assisted in their hiring protocol. In addition, their personal coaching has increased employment retention of qualified individuals.

For further information on persons with disabilities employment assistence, contact PlacementWorks, 727-798-4564 or e-mail:

News Releases

Local Man With Disabilities at the Hilton Featured

JANUARY 1, 2013

ST. PETERSBURG, FL —

“We are very proud of the success LaJarvis is seeing,” explains Christy Boccabella-Brown, Director of PlacementWorks. “You can't beat his awesome attitude.”

PlacementWorks coordinates employable students and adults with varying abilities. “We are so pleased that the Hilton is happy with our placement. We need more employers like the Hilton and we are asking every local employer to hire someone with a disability.” Boccabella-Brown explains. “The concept of our program is to challenge our community to hiring one person with a disability in 2012.”

For further information or to apply to become a recipient of an amazing employee like LaJarvis, contact PlacementWorks at 727-743-4220.

News Releases

Hire Employees, Pay No Wages

DECEMBER 10, 2010

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Employers who hire people with disabilities will pay no wages for the worker’s first 90 days. This new program, administered by PlacementWorks, a non-profit organization, is supported and funded through the Department of Education and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The program is designed to connect local businesses with workers with disabilities. Employers who hire people with disabilities will pay no wages for the worker’s first 90 days. In addition, employers who hire after 90 days are eligible to receive a tax incentive amounting to approximately $2,400 per employee hired.

“This truly is a win-win situation for both employer and employee,” explains Christy Boccabella-Brown, Director of PlacementWorks. “PlacementWorks will be paying the employee’s wages during their first 90 days. We have been selected by the State to pilot this on-the-job training program, where our organization pays the employee all wages and Workers Compensation for the first 90 days. After the 90 days the employer can then choose to hire the individual or not. However, we are confident in the outcome. PlacementWorks has a 90% retention rate utilizing similar programs.” Boccabella-Brown explains.

PlacementWorks has hundreds of employable students and adults with varying abilities. Studies have shown that employing people with disabilities leads to a more motivated work force. “Our employees are very loyal, trustworthy and motivated to work.” Boccabella-Brown explains. “The concept of this program is to essentially make tax consumers into tax payers. This program is available now for local businesses to take full advantage of it. And, there are other incentives such as job coaching services and assistance with applying for tax credits.”

For further information or to apply to participate in this program, contact PlacementWorks, 727-798-4564 or e-mail:

News Releases

DECEMBER 1, 2010

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Word was received this week approving PlacementWorks as the sole-distributor in the St. Petersburg area for funds to help local businesses hire the disabled. This non-profit organization, supported and funded through the Department of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation, has received approval to connect local businesses with disabled workers. Employers who hire the disabled will receive complete employment funds for the worker’s first 90 days. In addition, employers who hire the disabled are eligible to receive a tax incentive amounting to approximately $2,4000 per employee hired.

“This truly is a win-win situation for both employer and employee,” explains Christy Boccabella-Brown, Director of PlacementWorks. “PlacementWorks will be paying the employee’s wages during their first 90-days. We have been selected by the State to pilot this on-the-job program, where our organization pays the employee all wages and Workers Compensation for the first 90 days. After the 90 days the employer can then choose to hire the individual or not.”

PlacementWorks has hundreds of employable students and adults with varying abilities. Studies have shown that employing the disabled leads to more motivated work force. “Our employees are very loyal, trustworthy and motivate to work.” Boccabella-Brown explains. “The concept of this program is to essentially make tax consumers into tax payers. This funding is available now for local businesses to take full advantage of it. And, there are other incentives such as job coaching services and training.”

For further information or to apply to become a recipient of this funding, contact PlacementWorks at 727-743-4220.