Partnership Helps with Club Staffing

A work experience program at The Club at Ibis , born out of necessity to fill jobs, introduces people with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to the workforce.

“We’re helping by giving them an opportunity to have a job, to come to work every day like everyone else,” says Stephen LoGiudice, CCM, CAM , chief operating officer and general manager of the West Palm Beach, FL, country club.

“Like all clubs, we were struggling to find staff,” said LoGiudice, whose club has partnered with the Els for Autism Foundation since 2020 and Best Buddies International since 2022 to fill staffing voids through its Partnering for Diverse Teams program.

The groups provide Ibis with a list of candidates. Michelle Moran , the club’s director of human resources and the hiring managers review the list and select the final candidates who seem to be the best fit.

During situational interviews, the candidates perform tasks in the areas to which they are applying. Moran and the hiring managers determine if their skill sets meet the club’s needs.

“We’ve designated four areas that best fit the program, so we aim for four participants,” said Moran, who worked with autistic adults in the past, as has LoGiudice. “Each cycle, we have been lucky to have three to four participants.”

During the 10-week training session that begins each May, participants get hands-on experience working in food and beverage, banquet set-up, culinary, laundry, and golf outside operations. Els for Autism job coaches provide assistance.

“Depending on where they are on the spectrum scale, we find a way to fit them in, from rolling napkins to cooking in the kitchen,” Moran explains.

Ibis has hosted 14 participants in the program so far and hired eight after they completed their training. Other participants have gone on to find work elsewhere.

“It adds to the diversity of our culture, our workplace,” Moran said about the program. Ibis employees have embraced program participants.

“Our staff is patient with them,” Moran added. “They can see what an asset they are to the team.”

Among the welcoming Ibis employees is Noah.

Ibis hired Noah, who is autistic, in March 2021 as a prep cook on the recommendation of the local culinary school teacher, who said Noah was one of his best students. In December 2022, Noah was named Employee of the Year.

The club is thrilled with the program, LoGiudice says.

“We continue to use it and encourage other clubs to do the same, particularly in our area. So many clubs in our area need staff. It’s worth the effort.”?? BR