Dallas-based Alliance Data Systems is a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services, managing over 105 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most recognizable companies. Like many large corporations, Alliance outsources many of its staffing needs. However, when the company saw the opportunity to maximize efficiency and pass along this benefit to its clients, Alliance relied on its long-term relationship with Special Care and Career Services (SCCS) and directly hired two individuals through our Supported Employment Services program.

Alliance has long supported Special Care and Career Services, serving as a four-time host sponsor of the organization’s major annual fundraiser and devoting resources to a number of its other initiatives. This partnership affords SCCS the opportunity to continue helping individuals with developmental disabilities to gain independence. And Alliance reaps the benefits of enhanced public image, a great outlet for employee volunteer activities, and the opportunity to hire exceptional SCCS employees like David Garcia and Warren Ducotey.

David and Warren provide a variety of maintenance and custodial services for Alliance, leaving other staff more time for mission-critical work. John Clyne, Alliance’s Vice President of Corporate Administration, said, “The services that David and Warren perform have resulted in more time for our building engineers and maintenance technicians to focus their efforts on solving building-related issues of a more technical nature. In this way, we have become much more efficient as a team and have been able to expand the level of services we provide our internal customers.”

Special Care Employment Counselors worked with Alliance to identify inefficiencies in its processes and provide skilled, eager workers to improve productivity. With thorough personal assessments, on-the-job training, and continued monitoring, SCCS ensured a good match between supported employment clients and the company. This approach made directly hiring Special Care clients a convenient and satisfying experience, even for an organization that typically outsources staffing for facilities-related hiring.

Mr. Clyne added, “Now that we know what to expect as far as the hiring and training processes go, we may consider SCCS clientele when we need to fill other appropriate positions. The hiring and initial training processes are very thorough. In addition, the follow-up coaching and counseling provided by SCCS help ensure the individual’s ongoing success.”

By entering a partnership with Special Care and Career Services, Alliance Data Systems gained two skilled and loyal employees, made better use of existing resources, and demonstrated its corporate commitment to the community. Organizations have much to gain from following Alliance’s lead, but even if this step is not possible, companies that outsource hiring should ensure that their staffing firms know that they expect them to provide a diverse array of employees.

Alliance Data Systems creates and manages customized solutions that change consumer behavior and that enable its clients to build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data Systems employs approximately 7,500 associates at 35 locations in the United States and Canada. For more information about Alliance Data Systems, visit its Web site, at http://www.alliancedatasystems.com/home.asp.

To learn how your company can optimize existing staff and streamline its processes by hiring a qualified individual through Special Care & Career Services’ Supported Employment program, contact Jenny Pecht, Marketing Specialist, at 972-991-6777, ext. 143.

Congratulations to the following companies that recently filled positions using Special Care & Career Services.

• Canyon Creek Art & Frame, Framer
• Mama' s Daughters' Diner, Assistant Wait Staff
• North Lake College, Departmental Assistant
• Plano Tavern, Waitstaff Support