A partnership between collection agency ConServe in Fairport, N.Y. and Rochester Rehabilitation in Rochester, N.Y. is aiming to help employ people with disadvantages.
The two agencies have created a five-week course to help people develop skills for a career in collections or customer service, according to a
The 14 students currently enrolled in the course are working to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, including physical and/or mental disabilities, refugee status and/or living in poverty. Along with the 20 to 40 people that Rochester Rehabilitation hopes to put to work through the ConServe partnership program this year, it also works closely with students to ensure they receive the supports needed through the training period and beyond.
Stacy Bartl, public relations and communications manager at ConServe, said the partnership will help the local community and the collection industry. "Helping to prepare participants for a successful career in accounts receivable management and customer service is the goal of our collaboration,” Bartl said.The Employment Division at Rochester Rehabilitation has a history of operating successful employment programs for people with disabilities and other disadvantages. Because of the organization’s performance-based client recruitment and screening program, workforce training academy and job development/placement/retention services, Rochester Rehabilitation has helped many companies staff their workforce with highly-skilled and qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, according to the news release.
“Rochester Rehabilitation’s Employment Division is excited about the new partnership with ConServe,” said Sara Taylor, vice president of employment at Rochester Rehabilitation Center. “Having a relationship with a company that values diversity and inclusion speaks volumes regarding their commitment to hiring a diverse workforce and their investment in our local community.”
The current collection/customer service training course continues through this week. Upon graduation, Rochester Rehabilitation will work with the participants to help with job placement and retention and figuring out transportation requirements, according to the news release.
"This training program is only a small part of how we support the individual and their family," Taylor said. "We consider the relationships we have with our clients as long-term… and work side-by-side until success is achieved at all levels.”
