Bobby Skidmore has found success at Price Road Health and Rehab.

When he began his job search, Bobby Skidmore was inspired by his grandmother.

She worked in a nursing facility, and Bobby decided that’s where he wanted to be.

A graduate of Licking Valley High School, Bobby, 25, has been working at Price Road Health and Rehabilitation Center in Newark for more than a year.

As a dietary aide, he cleans floors, does dishes and delivers trays to patients’ rooms.

“Anything I ask of him, he jumps right on it,” said Ricky Starner, Price Road’s food and nutrition services director. “He always has a good attitude.”

Bobby, who receives support from the Licking County Board of Disabilities, decided to participate in the Employment First program during his job hunt.

Established in Licking County in 2013, Employment First is a statewide program dedicated to helping people with disabilities who have been in segregated work environments transition into competitive jobs in their communities.

Locally, the program has had 49 participants through a partnership with the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and local service providers.

Bobby was connected with a provider and worked with a job coach to learn the skills to succeed at Price Road.

He said he’s really appreciated his coworkers, who have created a helpful environment.

Lisa Nelson, who works as a cook at Price Road, said she can rely on Bobby to do a good job.

“He tries really hard, especially when we get really busy,” she said.

Bobby is always happy to try new things, and learns quickly, Ricky said.

“His positive attitude really just shines through,” he said.

For more information about Employment First, go to ohioemploymentfirst.org.