Employment Professional in Portland, Oregon at Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity Inc.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

HumilityWe 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.

Benefits & Perks

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

Flexible scheduling opportunities

Career Development Pathways

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 Professional

Make an Impact. Build Confidence. Support Meaningful Employment.

Department: Employment ServicesPosition: Part-Time, Non-ExemptStarting Wage: $19.00–$20.50 per hour, depending on verifiable relevant experience, education, and veteran statusLocation: Beaverton and Portland Metro AreaSchedule: Part-time opportunities with weekend hours available

Help People Build More Than a Career

A job can be so much more than a paycheck. It can create independence, confidence, connection, purpose, and a stronger sense of belonging in the community.

At ALSO, our Employment Professionals help make that possible.

As an Employment Professional, you’ll work alongside people receiving ALSO services as they build skills, navigate challenges, and become increasingly confident and independent in their community-based jobs. You’ll also partner with employers to create supportive, inclusive workplaces where people have the opportunity to succeed.

The goal isn’t to do the job for someone—it’s to provide the right support, coaching, and encouragement so they can succeed on their own.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll spend much of your time out in the community supporting people at their places of employment. You will:

Provide individualized, on-the-job coaching and training.Help people learn job duties, workplace expectations, policies, and routines.Implement personalized training strategies developed in partnership with the Employment Specialist.Identify barriers to workplace success and help develop practical solutions.Partner with employers and coworkers to strengthen communication and create natural workplace supports.Help employers build their skills and confidence in supporting employees with disabilities.Celebrate progress while gradually reducing job-coaching support as the person becomes more independent.Help navigate workplace challenges while supporting positive relationships between employees and employers.Communicate successes, progress, concerns, and support needs with the Employment Services team.Complete accurate daily reports, case notes, service documentation, and tracking of billable hours.Participate in employment-related training and professional development.Provide additional individualized support when needed based on the person and their workplace environment.The Impact You’ll Have

Employment can open doors.

When someone finds meaningful work, they gain opportunities to build relationships, contribute to their community, develop new skills, earn income, and make choices about the life they want to live.

As an Employment Professional, you get to be part of that journey.

You may help someone master a new responsibility, navigate a difficult conversation, develop a relationship with a coworker, advocate for what they need, or reach the point where they no longer need you beside them.

Why ALSO?

ALSO's mission is centered on the full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the life of their community.

Employment is an important part of that inclusion.

When people have access to meaningful work, they aren't simply participating in the community—they are coworkers, contributors, earners, decision-makers, and valued members of it.

Join ALSO's Employment Services team and help create workplaces—and communities—where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and belong.