Employer Partnerships

Helping You build an inclusive, high-performing workforce right here in the Tri-Cities.

Hire With Purpose. Grow With Confidence.

At Columbia Ability Alliance, we believe a diverse workforce is a strong workforce. Through our Employer Partnerships, we help businesses of all sizes tap into a talented, dedicated labor pool of individuals with unique abilities who are ready to contribute and grow.

Our professional team supports you every step of the way with customized training, job matching, and ongoing support, ensuring that each placement is successful for both the employee and your business.

What Makes a Columbia Ability Alliance Employer Partnership Different

Building an inclusive workforce takes more than good intentions, it takes a partner who handles the details so hiring feels simple, not risky. When you become an Employer Partner, you’re not just filling an open position. You’re gaining a long-term relationship with a team that stays involved before, during, and after every placement.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Before the hire: We take time to understand your business so we only bring you candidates who are a genuine fit, not just the next name on a list.

During onboarding: A dedicated job coach helps the new employee learn tasks, routines, and expectations on-site, working alongside your existing training process rather than replacing it.

After the placement: Our team checks in regularly with both the employee and the employer, catching small issues before they become big ones and adjusting support as needs change over time.

This ongoing involvement is a big part of why our employer partners see strong retention. Businesses across the Tri-Cities, restaurants, hotels, print shops, and public agencies among them, have found that a little structured support up front leads to employees who stay, grow, and become genuinely valued team members.

Why Partner With Columbia Ability Alliance?

When you hire through us, you’re not just checking a box, you’re building a more inclusive, loyal, and skilled team. Here’s what you’ll gain:

Expert Support Services:

Business Benefits:

“Gracie was eager and excited to learn. Her smile and enthusiasm made me offer her the job. She has done a great job, and in fact, she has recently been offered increased hours. My advice to other employers would be to just give someone [with a disability] a chance."

Kelly O.Hubby's Pizza

"Chloe became a part of our team in 2022 through Employment Services. She is a delight to work with and the support we get is second to none. Employment Services puts a capital A in disAbilities."

Mick W.Minuteman Press of Kennewick

“CJ is a quick learner, she’s so nice and does a great job of connecting with all our staff. CJ brings positivity to our workplace. I had worked with CI before and knew I wanted to again. I would recommend working with CI; it’s great for our community and for Red Lion."

Toni B.Red Lion Hotel

"I am thrilled to have Ray on board for the past 6 months at Round Table in Pasco. Ray's commitment to his work, adaptability, and open communication have truly set him apart. From covering shifts on short notice to handling responsibilities independently, he's been a rockstar."

Amanda R.Round Table Pizza

“Isaac's work ethic is amazing and something for others to look up to and learn from. He rides the city bus in all weather conditions to get to and from work, always arriving on time - and most of the time, early!"

Sheri R.Round Table Pizza

"EJ G. has been with us for just over 2 years now. EJ is a super hard worker, extremely reliable, and willing to learn new things. He is a very caring individual, always making sure his friends and coworkers are okay and happy."

Jayme T.Round Table Pizza

Understanding the Tax Incentives

One of the most overlooked benefits of inclusive hiring is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax credit jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service available to employers who hire individuals who’ve faced barriers to employment, including many of the job seekers we work with. Depending on the hire, WOTC can meaningfully reduce your federal tax liability on top of the retention and productivity benefits inclusive hiring already brings.

Our team can walk you through eligibility and paperwork as part of the hiring process, so claiming the credit doesn’t add extra work on your end.

Accommodations Are Usually Simpler Than Employers Expect

A common hesitation around inclusive hiring is uncertainty about workplace accommodations, what they cost, how complicated they are, and whether they’ll disrupt daily operations. In practice, most accommodations are minor: adjusted scheduling, written instructions alongside verbal ones, or a modified workstation layout. According to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free consulting service funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the majority of workplace accommodations cost little to nothing to implement.

We work directly with you and your new employee to identify what, if anything, is needed and we stay involved to adjust it if circumstances change.

Our Inclusive Employers

We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking businesses across the Tri-Cities and beyond, from restaurants and hotels to print shops and public agencies. Join the growing network of Inclusive Employers who are shaping a stronger, more equitable workforce. Want to feature your business here? Become an Employer Partner!