Overview
Employment Services is Columbia Ability Alliance’s core vocational program, helping individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers build the skills, confidence, and support they need to find and keep meaningful work. Our approach is holistic, considering not just the immediate job search but also long-term career development. We offer ample support including resume-building sessions, and interview preparation to equip participants with necessary job market tools. Services are personalized to each person’s goals and strengths, with coaching and placement support provided every step of the way and at no cost to eligible participants. CAA is accredited by CARF (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), reflecting the program’s commitment to high standards in vocational and community services.
Who It’s For
Our services cater to a diverse group, including those with developmental disabilities, physical impairments, and mental health challenges. We recognize that each individual has unique experiences and aspirations, and we strive to support their journey towards meaningful employment through tailored guidance and resources. This includes individuals referred through partner agencies as well as families and case managers helping a loved one plan next steps.
Comprehensive Support Services
Employment Services is really an umbrella of connected supports, including:
- Job Seeker Services – We work with individuals to explore their strengths and skills, and when ready for employment, connect them with employers that match their personal goals
- Student Services – Provide transition support for students moving from high school into adulthood (see the Student Employment Services resource for full detail)
- Foundational Community Supports (FCS) – We provide supported employment and housing assistance for those who qualify through FCS
- Benefits Planning – We can also help individuals in understanding how employment may affect Social Security or Medicaid, so the transition into work is financially safe.
- Community Inclusion – A DDA waiver service that supports relationship-building and community participation (see the Community Inclusion resource for full detail)
Eligibility
Most services are available at no cost to individuals eligible through a partner agency, such as:
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Foundational Community Supports (FCS)
- A local school district
If you’re not sure which pathway applies to your family member, CAA’s team can help you figure that out.
How to Get Started
- Reach out to the Employment Services team to talk through your situation and goals.
- The team will help confirm eligibility through the appropriate partner agency.
- Once eligibility is confirmed, you’ll be matched with the right service track (Job Seeker, Student, Community Inclusion, etc.) and a personalized plan will be built around your strengths and goals.
Contact Us to Get Started | Refer a Client | View the Employment Services Handbook (PDF)
FAQ
Does my family member need to already have a job offer or work history to start?
No. Services are built to meet people where they are, whether they’re exploring work for the first time or returning to it after a gap.
What if we’re not sure which agency we’re eligible through?
That’s common, and it’s part of what the team helps sort out. Reach out and they’ll walk through your situation with you.
Is there a cost?
Services are provided at no cost to participants who are eligible through a partner agency like DVR, DDA, FCS, or a school district.
What’s the difference between this and Community Inclusion?
Employment Services is focused on building skills for and securing paid work. Community Inclusion (available after at least nine months of DDA employment services, or for those 62+) is focused on community participation, relationships, and meaningful activity beyond a paycheck. Many people use both at different points in their journey. It’s essential to understand that while both services are valuable, they serve distinct purposes in the path toward independence and fulfillment. Employment Services lays the groundwork for job readiness, while Community Inclusion fosters broader engagement within the community.
