Join Skookum and make a difference! Skookum is:
A national leader in employment of individuals with disabilities and veterans.
Comprised of a growing dynamic team of social entrepreneurs.
Operating self-sustaining businesses across 13 states and the District of Columbia, with over 1,300 employees.
Dedicated to providing incredible customer experience to our federal and private-sector customers.
Committed to providing an incredible employee support and development program, tailored to the social mission.
Compensation: $23.70 - $34.37 (We are targeting $23.70 - $26.00 for this role. Skookum's compensation strategy is to position new employees between the minimum and midpoint of this range, depending on qualifications and experience)
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (flexible start and end times depending on client scheduling needs.)
Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (hourly)
Skookum’s Bremerton, Washington Home Office supports nationwide operations through highly trained and motivated professionals in finance, human resources, vocational and workforce development, information systems, strategy, business development, communications, marketing, quality, safety, learning, and more.
As an Employment Specialist, you’ll Manage around 15-20 active clients by providing pre and post-employment services. Spend 78% of your time supporting clients either in the community or in the office. Use a person-centered approach to train, coach, and mentor clients toward making progress with their employment goals. Use creative thinking skills to develop relationships with local business owners and hiring managers. Must have excellent time management, problem-solving, and networking skills along with sales acumen and a professional level written and oral communication skills. Be self-directed, with the ability to work independently and in a team. Must be effective in the use of technology and systematically documenting in a detailed manner.
Work with individuals with disabilities to discover their interests for employment and prepare them for the job search
Assist in development of work skills; assess potential obstacles to employment and develop strategies to overcome them
Provide on-the-job and/or pre-employment training
Network with local businesses to create and develop employment opportunities
Self-manage, create your own schedule, and work independently to help clients secure and maintain competitive employment
Create imaginative job aids, identify assistive technology and tools to help clients succeed
Document to show progress towards goals on the client’s employment/service plan
Utilize the information management system to maintain client files, case notes and billings in compliance with contract and program guidelines
Provide follow-up services to ensure proper support is provided for successful retention and career advancement of clients
Perform duties in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations and guidelines governing equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination in the workplace
Prepare for and participate in external and internal audits
Maintain regular and consistent contact with clients, employers, and guardians
Establish and maintain effective, positive relationships with clients, employers, internal departments, referral sources, external agencies, and the public
Maintain confidentiality of all client information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines and program rules
Operate Skookum provided vehicles or personal vehicles for job duties
Maintain professionalism when conducting business on behalf of Skookum
Competency with technology used to provide services remotely and ability to instruct clients on how to use technology to engage in services
Knowledge of community resources to refer clients to as needed
Conduct intakes, vocational assessments, observation & incident reports, and create job development plans with clients to establish employment goals
Assist clients with job search activities such as resume building, interviewing skills, completing and submitting job applications
Accompany clients to job interviews when appropriate
Conduct evaluations of potential job sites for safety concerns and consult with employers on how to implement accommodations to address these concerns
Use creative thinking and problems solving skills to develop carved positions for clients
Provide training and consultations to employers and co-workers to enable them to support clients at their jobsite
Provide on-the-job supports, training and coaching to clients at their job sites
Create, facilitate, and oversee Community Based Assessments
Provide monthly updates to stakeholder counselors regarding client progress
Attend continuing education trainings to stay current with trends in mental health and disability topics
Provide coverage for other team members as needed
Attend staff meetings and one-on-one mentoring meetings with CES Manager
Attend and represent Skookum at various networking events and job fairs
All Other Duties as Assigned*
You'd make an excellent Employment Specialist if you:
Have excellent time management skills.
Love working on collaborative teams.
Are dedicated to internal and external customer service.
Are flexible and able to adapt to unexpected changes.
Self-directed and able to work independently.
Possess a non-judgmental attitude and ability to work with diverse populations
Are drawn to serving others and want to challenge yourself through mission-driven work.
Skookum is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible full-time employees:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
Elective 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% employer discretionary contribution after 90-days of employment
Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 12 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
Potential shared earning bonus
Tuition assistance available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
Verizon wireless discount
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees
Summary of Skills and Experience for the Skookum Employment Specialist:
Associate’s Degree required
Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Education, Human Services, Social Work or related field preferred
0 -3 years of previous related experience required
Combination of previous experience and education allowed
Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
Highly sought certifications: ASL, Benefits Planning, experience with DVR, Ticket to Work, Foundational Community Supports.
Ability to use Microsoft Office and other computer software programs.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with others in a courteous, professional, and helpful way.
Knowledge of community resources to assist clients in overcoming barriers to employment.
A valid state Driver’s license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Skookum’s insurance.
Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access.
A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position. Must be able to pass Social Security and Washington State DSHS background checks.
Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
To Apply: Visit our website at www.skookum.org to complete an application.
Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.
Skookum is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Skookum is here to help you with the recruitment process.
If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at
(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or email recruiting@skookum.org.
Skookum is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Skookum participates in E-Verify