EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
Position Opening:
Employment Specialist Level I - Level II
Want a career that makes a difference in your community?
Chinook Enterprises is seeking self-starters who enjoy networking and creative problem solving to support individuals with disabilities and other barriers to gain access to the workforce and the community.
OUR ORGANIZATION
Chinook Enterprises was founded in 1980. We are a non-profit designed to operate as a business, but with a social mission: supporting full participation in community life for people with disabilities or other barriers. Full participation must start with successful employment.
OUR GOAL
To help people live more productive and fulfilling lives by striving to gain competitive employment as well as inclusion in the community.
OUR ACTION
We demonstrate a positive environment to work, train, and provide service to our customers regardless of culture, age, gender, abilities, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, genetic information, socioeconomic status, and language of origin. We prioritize diversity education for our staff and stakeholders and regularly assess our employee, customer, and stakeholder demographics to improve our effectiveness.
TO APPLY
We are committed to adding voices to our team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), military veterans and spouses, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, and those with work gaps to apply and help us in our vision to realize a community that celebrates inclusion and diversity through innovative leadership and partnerships.
To learn more about us, the position and to apply, please visit https://chinookenterprises.org/careers-at-chinook
Download our application and submit it with your Cover Letter and Resume through our website. Or apply in person at: Chinook Enterprises, 2026 Laventure Rd. Mt Vernon, WA 98273
POSITION SUMMARY
The Employment Specialist position is a professional staff position functioning within the Community Employment Services Department of the agency and comes under the direct supervision of the CES Coordinator. The ES works with individuals having a diversity of disabilities and other vocational barriers. The ES-I works primarily with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) clientele but may also work with other funding sources. The ES-II independently works with multiple funding sources including; the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), Foundational Community Supports, North Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program (NIVRP), local high schools, and private pay or others as needed. The ES also serves in a critical public relations capacity, interfacing and educating persons in the business community, other service agencies and general community.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Special Education or related field.
- A minimum of one years’ experience (ES-I) or two years’ experience (ES-II) in the field of Disability Support, Employment Services, supporting underserved communities, or related experience.
- A combination of experience and education may be substituted for these requirements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must possess independent decision-making skills.
- Must display initiative, ability to learn, flexibility, integrity, and self-discipline.
- Ability to act with professionalism and confidentiality.
- Must have strong time management skills: prioritizing multiple tasks and structuring own work schedule around the needs of customers.
- Must present and maintain a professional image to consumers, all funding sources and the business community.
- Must be able to develop and maintain productive business relationships with different types of employers and possess good public relations skills.
- Ability to maintain education and knowledge of field through agency sponsored training activities.
- Must be willing to work non-standard working hours when consumer training needs demand (nights, weekends).
- Must possess the belief that individuals with severe disabilities can succeed vocationally in the business community with the right types of supports. This is one of the most critical aspects of this position.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a learning environment.
- Self-aware, accountable, and motivated.
- Creative problem-solver.
- Must possess good judgment and critical thinking abilities.
- Must consistently demonstrate “customer-first” thinking and be committed to serving a diverse clientele; treating all customers with dignity and respect at all times.
- After six months on the job, maintains a minimum average billing (direct service) rate of 60% to 70% of work time.
- Ability to adhere to corporate policies as detailed in the Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software with the ability to learn to utilize new technologies.
- The selected candidate will be required to provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccination prior to hire, unless appropriately accommodated.
- Must be able to pass WA State Patrol and DSHS Background Checks.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Level 1 Starting Wage: $20.68 – 22.98 per hour DOE
Level 2 Starting Wage: $23.23 – 25.30 per hour DOE
Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package, including full coverage on medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) matching retirement, 10 paid holidays, 160 hours of paid vacation, paid sick leave, an optional vision benefit that is available at a low cost, voluntary life insurance, dependent care FSA, tuition reimbursement program, quarterly incorporate massage and company provided mental fitness app Nivati. We have a great culture, flexibility, and offer training and development opportunities.
