Employment Specialist

ALSO; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental insurance

401(k) matching

PTO & sick leave

Double time holidays

Life insurance

Job summary

ALSO, a leading Oregon nonprofit serving individuals with developmental disabilities, is seeking an Employment Specialist. You will connect adults with IDD to meaningful employment, build employer partnerships, and support long-term job success in the community.

The role emphasizes person-centered service, strong communication, and the ability to work independently within a supportive team. This is a full-time, non-exempt position in Oregon with competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Ability to travel to multiple job sites, up to ~50 miles.

Responsibilities

• Get to know each person’s interests, strengths, goals, and employment preferences.
• Help individuals explore career options and identify meaningful employment opportunities.
• Build relationships with local businesses, employers, and community partners.
• Reach out to employers and develop potential job opportunities.
• Coordinate job placements in competitive and integrated employment settings.
• Travel to businesses and job sites throughout the community.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Organizational

Problem solving

Flexibility

Independent work

Tech proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Case management

Job description

About Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO)

Founded in 1997, Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO) is one of Oregon's leading nonprofit providers of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We proudly serve individuals and families across 11 Oregon counties, delivering person-centered supports in homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

At ALSO, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in their community. Every day, our team helps people build meaningful lives through individualized supports that promote independence, choice, and inclusion.

Our Mission

To promote the full inclusion of people experiencing disabilities in the life of their community.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all people—including those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities—are fully included as valued members of their communities. We strive to provide equitable access to services and supports that reflect the preferences, goals, and values of each person, empowering self-determination, independence, meaningful employment, and a fulfilling quality of life.

Our Values

Our values shape every interaction—with the people we support, our teammates, and our communities.

Trust

We communicate with honesty, transparency, and integrity while fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Teamwork

We collaborate to bring out the best in one another and achieve meaningful outcomes together.

Innovation

We embrace creativity, curiosity, and new ideas to continuously improve the way we serve others.

Dignity

We honor each person's inherent worth and right to make choices about their own life.

Respect

We treat every individual with kindness, compassion, and appreciation.

Accountability

We take ownership of our actions, deliver on our commitments, and continuously pursue excellence.

Humility

We recognize that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and grow through learning, gratitude, and service.

Our Services

Employment Services

We partner with people to identify meaningful career opportunities and provide customized employment supports that foster long-term success and independence in the workplace.

Residential Services

Our residential programs provide individualized supports that help people live safely, independently, and as active members of their communities while honoring each person's goals and preferences. This is 24 hour supports working in a home setting with multiple people.

Supported Living & In-Home Services

We provide customized supports that help people maintain independence in their own homes and communities. Services are tailored to each individual's unique needs and personal goals. These are one on one supports in people's homes and communities.

Children's Services

Our Children's Services focus on helping children thrive in safe, nurturing, and supportive environments. We promote growth, independence, and meaningful community participation. This is 24 hour supports in a home setting with 2 to 3 children living together.

At ALSO, we believe in investing in the people who invest in our mission. Eligible employees may enjoy:

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Generous vacation time and sick leave

Double Time Paid Holidays (5 Holidays)

Employer provided Life Insurance for full time employees

Voluntary life insurance

Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Peer-to-peer recognition and bonus programs

Milestone service recognition

Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Public Service Loan Eligibility

Join a team where your work makes a lasting impact every day. At ALSO, you'll build meaningful relationships, grow professionally, and help create more inclusive communities throughout Oregon.

Employment Specialist

Department: Employment
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Employment Manager
Pay: $20 - $21.50

Help People Find More Than a Job

At ALSO, we believe meaningful employment is an important part of inclusion, independence, and connection to the community.

We are looking for an Employment Specialist who enjoys connecting with people, building relationships, solving problems, and helping others recognize their strengths.

As an Employment Specialist, you will work alongside adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to explore career interests, connect with employers, find competitive and integrated employment opportunities, and build the skills and supports needed for long-term success.

We are looking for someone who brings strong communication, organization, relationship-building, creativity, and a genuine commitment to helping people reach their goals.

What You’ll Do

• Get to know each person’s interests, strengths, goals, and employment preferences.
• Help individuals explore career options and identify meaningful employment opportunities.
• Build relationships with local businesses, employers, and community partners.
• Reach out to employers and develop potential job opportunities.
• Coordinate job placements in competitive and integrated employment settings.
• Help identify and address barriers that may impact workplace success.
• Conduct job and worksite analyses and recommend job customization when appropriate.
• Support individuals and employers with effective workplace communication and natural supports.
• Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and other members of an individual’s support team.
• Complete progress notes, reports, assessments, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
• Track services, authorizations, and other information needed to support program requirements.
• Travel to businesses and job sites throughout the community.
• Work independently while staying connected and communicating with your team.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Person-centered and respectful of individual choice.
• Passionate about meeting new people and developing professional relationships.
• Confident communicating with employers and community partners.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Creative and resourceful when solving problems.
• Flexible when plans change.
• Able to work independently and make thoughtful decisions.
• Strong abilityusing technology, including case management software, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Relevant communication skills, dependable, and committed to confidentiality.
• Excited about advocating for with people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

Experience in supported employment, Vocational Rehabilitation, job development, human services, recruiting, workforce development, customer service, sales, community outreach, or another relationship-focused role may be helpful.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Ability to regularly travel to multiple job sites, occasionally up to approximately 50 miles.
• Ability to work varying hours based on the employment needs of the people supported.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
• Ability to pass required background checks.
• Ability to complete and maintain required employment-services training and certifications.

Existing employment-services certifications are welcomed; candidates must be willing and able to complete applicable required certifications within established timelines.

About ALSO

ALSO’s mission is to promote the full inclusion of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the life of their community.