Join Our Growing Team – Rewarding Careers in Social Services
Now a hiring: Supported Employment Specialist ($24–$26/hr)
Cascade Community Connections is a dynamic, expanding organization. We are seeking full-time professionals to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their goals through meaningful work and community engagement located in our Port Townsend community. As a Supported Employment Specialist, you will help clients develop skills and find paid work.
We offer competitive pay, full benefits, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career making a real impact. Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
Apply today and be part of something that matters!
Keep reading for a full job description
Title: Supported Employment Specialist 1
Status: Full-time, hourly/non-exempt
Wages: $24.00 - $26.00 plus benefits
Location: Port Townsend, WA community and work in onsite or home office
Reports to: Senior Supported Employment Specialist or Program Manager
Job Summary
The Supported Employment Specialist 1 (SES1) will assist people with disabilities to obtain and
maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals and in achieving an optimal
quality of life. The SES1 supports the employers’ experience by providing guidance, training,
and regular communications and check-ins. Additionally, the SES1 coordinates with funders,
residential supports, and families to ensure employment success.
Essential Functions
Employment Support
Engage and establish a trusting, collaborative relationship with assigned clients with the
goal of gainful, ongoing employment.
Assess clients' job skills utilizing background information and work experiences.
Help clients with job prep such as creating resumes and practicing interviews.
Provide individualized job coaching, by providing assistance with problem solving, on-the
job training or outreach services as necessary to clients to ensure success of placements.
With supervisor support, conduct job development and job search activities directed
toward positions that fit with the interests and uniqueness of each client.
Meet with employers to learn about the needs of the business, explain the supported
employment program, describe client strengths, and negotiate appropriate
accommodation.
With supervisor support, write job support plans with clients and incorporate input from
the client’s support systems and facilitate plan meeting(s).
Perform regular onsite check-ins with clients and employers to support employment
relations.
Provide education and support to employers as needed and on-site client supervision and
support.
With supervisor support, identify solutions to employment issues and implement timely
interventions as needed.
Assist clients in locating and accessing community support and resources, such as travel
training and benefits planning.
With supervisor support and direction, conduct job development and job search activities
and identify opportunities for career growth with the employer and client actively working
with 3 job leads per week.
Keep thorough and timely documentation of client progress.
Complete Service Delivery Outcome Reports (SDORs) with support.
Manage and organize personal schedule while meeting the needs of caseload and
employers.
Team Support
Participate in weekly team meetings, community meetings, and training relevant to clients
and their progress.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with Cascade staff, employers, and community
partners.
Communicate any issues to supervisor.
Support other members of the employment team to ensure client coverage (i.e. vacation,
sick, new job starts).
Other Duties
Other duties as assigned and in support of Cascade Community Connections.
May perform duties of Community Inclusion Specialist as needed.
Duties may change as organizational needs dictate. The above list is not intended to be an
exhaustive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities.
Competencies
With a high degree of empathy and compassion effectively communicate both verbally and
in writing with the ability to effectively customize approach depending on the audience.
Knowledge of working with underrepresented groups, including people with developmental
disorders with able to build strong relationships with individuals from any background.
Ability to communicate with clients to discern their job-related skills and effectively match
clients with job openings.
Understand how to address an individual’s needs and creatively problem solve barriers to
community participation.
Warm, approachable, professional, respectful, collaborative, and a willing participant as a
member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Confidence and assertiveness to contact employers who might never have heard of
Supported Employment programs.
Self-motivated and self-directed; organized, responsible, and independent.
Individually manage personal schedule while considering the needs of your clients.
Understanding of our local community resources and employers.
Able to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with others.
Technical writing skills such as report and resume writing, describing job skills and duties,
physical and behavioral descriptions.
Understands principles of self-determination.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality which is led by strong ethics and values.
Qualifications
1-2 years of experience in social services or experience as a Community Inclusion Specialist or
Community Engagement Specialist.
High school diploma required. Associate of Arts (AA) degree preferred.
Experience in and or interest in cultural diversity, community inclusion, facilitation,
developmental disabilities, individual development.
Understand and utilize best practices established by DDA Guiding Values
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and working knowledge of Google Workspace
programs.
Access and use of a personal vehicle for independent travel (mileage reimbursement is
provided).
Possess a valid Washington driver's license with 5 or fewer points.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Capable and able to set and manage personal schedule based on caseload and client needs.
No nights or weekends required.
Willingness to become CPR and First Aid certified.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, or otherwise perform various physical tasks.
Talk, hear and communicate with others; express oneself and exchange information so
others understand.
Able to climb stairs, kneel, crouch, or bend.
Capable of operating a motor vehicle.
Sit for long periods of time, with repetitive motion.
Work occasional non-standard hours, including evening and weekend events.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.