Stacy Falcone finds the flexibility she needs working from home
March 2021
By Michael Hardman
When Stacy Falcone was looking for a new job, she knew she would have to find one where she could work with her multiple sclerosis. She needed to find an organization to provide her with the training and the skills she needed to be successful in a new position. The organization would also need to be flexible and understanding to her needs to take breaks because of her disease. Fortunately for the Columbia, S.C. native, NTI had everything she was looking for, and she was able to get back to work after being on the sideline.
“We recognize a lot of times people might have been out of work for a number of years and things have changed,” said Alan Hubbard, NTI@Home’s Chief Operating Officer. “With people like Stacy, we know there is going to be an adjustment, and that’s understandable. Our goal is to make sure they get everything they need to be able to go back to work. We work closely with our business partners to make sure people have options to work schedules that work for them. We understand there are going to times when people are going to need time away from their work environment to deal with things and take a break.”
NTI provides a comprehensive training program and doesn’t leave employees once they are on the job. That was something Falcone believes made a difference.
“I like that NTI is with you from the beginning,” said Falcone, who works from home with a major pharmaceutical firm in a remote call center. “They start with doing the process over the phone and then you have a job coach that works with you and helps you with Ticket-to-Work and IWP (individual work plan). NTI, with the trainers taking care of everything, is awesome. They prepare you for everything. There are no questions you can’t ask.”
When she looks back at her first days at NTI, Falcone knows what needs to be shared with others going through the same thing.
“It is normal to be nervous if you have been out of the workforce; take a deep breath and realize everyone is there to help you,” she said.
Once Falcone got through the training, there was the matter of making sure she could work with her multiple sclerosis. That’s where working with NTI and her employer made the adjustment easier. “You need to make sure you are comfortable, because you are going to be sitting for a while,” said Falcone. “Take a break when you need it. I let them know I am going to need to get up and stretch every 10 minutes or so (to prevent) leg spasms. Even though I’m on a headset, I have enough wire that I can do that.”
Falcone also knows there are people out there going through what she did before joining NTI. “For someone who has been out of work for a while and had MS and feels they can’t do it, you can do it. Don’t put any limitations on yourself. There are so many ways to get the help you need. It feels good to be part of something again.”
If you have a disability or care for someone who does and are looking for an at-home-job, go to www.nticental.org to register for training and job placement services.