Supported Employment

Tahoma Associates belief that “Work is the glue that holds us together” serves as a foundation block for our various vocational services.  Work is a concrete means of receiving feedback from others, ourselves, and the task at hand, that provides a sense of accomplishment, pride, and personal worth.  Be it completing a simple task or celebrating 10 years of continuous competitive employment, “work” reinforces individuals’ belief in their own self value, their sense of competence, and societal acceptance.

Individual Employment services are a part of an individual’s path to employment and is tailored to individual needs, interests and abilities while promoting career development.

The process includes:

• Intake and discovery (getting to know each other)

• Assessment and planning (skill identification and development)

• Resume building and mock interviews

• Job search, preparation, marketing, and coaching

• Securing employment

• Ongoing Support and training

Short term services:

• Job Foundations and School to Work – These services are designed to assist eligible transition students in obtaining paid employment prior to exiting school.  

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) – Community Based Assessments, Trial Work Experience, Job Placement, and Intensive Training Services.

Group Supported Employment

With the understanding that people develop at their own pace and excel when afforded appropriate option, Group Supported Employment service offer an opportunity for groups of people to work at community jobsites, supervised by Tahoma’s staff.  Work training performed under contract includes litter pick-up and residential and business grounds maintenance.  Each participant in this program has an individualized service plan tailored for personal growth. 

Group settings in the community offer social and job skill development that prepares the participant for many of life’s opportunities.