Employment Specialist

Columbia Industries; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) after 1 year

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Columbia Ability Alliance is seeking an Employment Specialist to empower individuals with diverse abilities to prepare for, obtain, and sustain meaningful employment. You’ll work with clients, employers, and the community to deliver tailored services and foster inclusive hiring partnerships.

Responsibilities include intake, resume support, interview prep, on-site coaching, and collaboration with employers to support client success.

Qualifications

• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain).
• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience in employment services, human services, or workforce development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews and develop person-centered service plans.
• Support clients with resume writing, job applications, interview prep, and job searches.
• Provide onsite job coaching, retention strategies, and task support.
• Collaborate with employers and attend interviews as needed to support client success.
• Maintain detailed and timely case notes, service documentation, and required reports.
• Assist with community outreach, employer engagement, and public education efforts.
• Meet monthly service and documentation goals while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Cultural sensitivity

Stakeholder engagement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day.

Join Columbia Ability Alliance, where we believe in creating inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. We’re seeking a compassionate, motivated, and community-minded Employment Specialist to help individuals overcome barriers and reach their employment goals.

What You’ll Do:

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in empowering individuals with diverse abilities and life experiences to prepare for, secure, and maintain meaningful employment. You’ll work directly with clients, employers, and the community to deliver tailored employment services and foster inclusive hiring partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake interviews and develop person-centered service plans.
• Support clients with resume writing, job applications, interview prep, and job searches.
• Provide onsite job coaching, retention strategies, and task support.
• Collaborate with employers and attend interviews as needed to support client success.
• Maintain detailed and timely case notes, service documentation, and required reports.
• Assist with community outreach, employer engagement, and public education efforts.
• Meet monthly service and documentation goals while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

What You Bring:

• A strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and advocacy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A collaborative, flexible, and dependable work style.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients, employers, and team members.

Requirements:

• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain).
• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience in employment services, human services, or workforce development is a plus.

Why Columbia Ability Alliance?

• Mission-driven work that changes lives
• Supportive and inclusive team environment
• Ongoing training and development
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

Full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits after 60 days of employment. Full-time employees also accrue vacation and sick leave in accordance with applicable policies. Participation in our 401(k) retirement plan is available after one year of continuous service and at least 1,000 hours worked during the applicable eligibility period.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

Columbia Ability Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Columbia Ability Alliance is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.