Job Seeker Services
Employment Services: Job Seeker Services
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we understand that finding meaningful employment can be challenging, especially for individuals with unique abilities and life barriers. That’s where our Job Seeker Services come in. We’re here to help you utilize your unique skills in positions that suit your abilities, while also providing local businesses with valuable, quality employees. There is no charge for employment services to individuals who are referred for service by a partner agency, such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Foundational Community Supports, or school districts.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services to support your journey to employment:
- Assessment and Planning: Upon intake, we will work together to identify your unique abilities, interests and desired employment path. We’ll complete a Person-Centered Plan that will guide us on your employment journey, ensuring that your preferences and interests are being honored.
- Job Coaching and Skills Training: We will prepare you for a successful job hunt by developing your professional resume and practicing soft skills, such as mock interviews.
- Community-Based Assessments: We can locate temporary positions in realistic work settings to help assess your interests and abilities, while identifying any potential barriers.
- Job Development: We will work with you to find or create (also known as job carving) a community-based job that fits your skills, interests and preferences.
- Job Placement: Utilizing our vast network of employer partners, we will find you a job in our local community that fits your needs and meets the needs of the employer.
- Job Retention: We will provide ongoing job retention services for qualified clients to ensure a good long-term fit for both the employee and the employer.
How It Works
Referred for Service
Individuals who qualify for Employment Services are typically referred for service from an agency. We partner with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Foundational Community Support (FCS), and our School to Work program.
Assigned a Dedicated Employment Specialist
Upon intake, you will be assigned a dedicated Employment Specialist who will work with your funding source counselor to start developing a plan to assist you in your employment journey. This process involves completing a CAA intake packet, creating a resume, and in some cases, developing an Employment Plan to use as a guide for your pathway to employment.
Develop a Person-Centered Plan
In some instances, your Employment Specialist will guide you through developing a Person-Centered Plan. This helps us learn important information about you, such as your interests, strengths, gifts, capacities, and desired employment options.
Explore Employment Opportunities
You will meet weekly with your dedicated Employment Specialist to apply for jobs and follow up with applications you have submitted. Your Employment Specialist will provide training and guidance every step of the way to ensure success!
Columbia Ability Alliance: Employment Services is proud to be accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
To learn more about our scope of services, client rights, and grievance policy, please view a copy of our Columbia Ability Alliance: Employment Services handbook here.
Take the Next Step
Ready to embark on your journey to meaningful employment? Contact us today to learn more about our Job Seeker Services.
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we’re here to empower your path to employment.
