Supported Employment Services
Empowering Employment. Building Inclusive Workplaces.
Supported Employment Services at Columbia Ability Alliance are designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful, paid employment in the community. We believe that with the right support, everyone can find a job that fits their talents and interests. Our program connects job seekers to competitive jobs (regular jobs in typical workplaces) and provides one-on-one support such as job coaching and skills training. This service is ideal for adults and transitioning students with disabilities who want to work but need some assistance to succeed.
Who It’s For: We serve people with a documented disability who are ready to pursue work. Many of our participants are referred to us through Washington State’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) or the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). We also partner with local high school transition programs to help students with disabilities make the jump from school to work. (If you are unsure how to access services, see the referral information below.)
Why It Matters: Despite a strong desire to work, people with disabilities are often underrepresented in the workforce. Nationally, the employment rate of people with disabilities is only about one-third that of people without disabilitiesbls.gov. Our Supported Employment program helps bridge that gap in our community by removing barriers and empowering job seekers with the tools they need to succeed on the job.
How It Works
We take a personalized, step-by-step approach to supported employment. Our dedicated employment specialists and job coaches will guide the individual (and their family, if applicable) through each stage:
- Discovery & Career Planning: We start by getting to know the job seeker. Through a “discovery” process, we learn about their interests, strengths, goals, and support needs. We help the individual explore different types of jobs and identify what kind of work would be a good match. This may include job shadows or volunteer trials to uncover their skills and preferences. Together, we develop a career plan that outlines the person’s employment goals and the steps to achieve them.
- Job Development & Coaching: Next, our team works on finding the right job. We network with local employers and job develop opportunities that align with the person’s career plan. This includes helping with applications and interviews. Once a job is secured, a trained job coach from our team provides on-site support to help the new employee learn their tasks and adjust to the workplace. The job coach can train the employee on duties, help them integrate with coworkers, and ensure that any needed accommodations are in place. During this initial phase, we closely coach and monitor progress to set the individual up for success.
- Ongoing Support: Our support doesn’t end after the first few weeks. We provide ongoing, long-term support for as long as the person is employed and wants our help. This might mean periodic check-ins, retraining if job duties change, or being available to problem-solve any issues that arise. If the individual or employer has questions or needs additional assistance down the road, we’re just a phone call away. The goal is stable, lasting employment – we want each person to grow in their role and have the confidence that support is available when needed.
Throughout each stage, we work at the individual’s pace and collaborate closely with families, caregivers, and other
professionals (such as DVR counselors or DDA case managers) involved in the person’s support network.
Community & Employer Partners
We are proud to partner with a wide range of businesses and organizations in our community to create inclusive employment opportunities. Our employer partners span industries – from retail and hospitality to healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond. These partnerships enable us to connect job seekers with diverse opportunities that match their interests.
By working hand-in-hand with inclusive employers, we ensure that our clients find not only jobs, but welcoming workplaces. We also provide guidance to employers on onboarding and supporting their new employees, so that each placement is a success for both the individual and the business.
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.
Contact Us
Ready to learn more or have questions about Supported Employment Services? We’re here to help. Contact our Employment Services team to discuss your needs or to get assistance with the referral process.
For Employers: Are you an employer interested in building a more inclusive workplace? We’d love to partner with you. Download our Employer Toolkit for Inclusive Hiring (a free PDF guide with tips and resources) to get started, and feel free to contact us about collaboration opportunities. Columbia Ability Alliance can assist your business with hiring qualified candidates with disabilities and provide ongoing support at no cost. Let’s work together to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
