Customized, supported, and competitive employment

AtWork! supports over 400 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Washington State to get good jobs that match their talents and interests. We do this by working with businesses to build inclusivity into their workforce, then provide all the coaching needed (at no cost to the business) for new employees and the company. Our services are individualized, personalized, and tune into the person’s key strengths. Businesses can benefit by becoming more innovative and productive while yielding positive publicity for your inclusive impact on the local community.

What is Supported Employment?

Supported Employment is a service in which people with disabilities are assisted with obtaining and maintaining employment. AtWork! provides Employment Consultants to match qualified candidates to the needs of an employer. We support the job candidates through the application process, interviewing, on-boarding, training, retention of employment, as well as on-going career growth. The Employment Consultant also provides training and support to co-workers and supervisors on disability-related topics as well as how best to work with the employee.

Benefits to the Business

Businesses report that recruitment, training, and retention of new employees is expensive and time-consuming. Job Coaches or Employment Consultants have been shown to help businesses save both time and money.

At the business site, Employment Consultants will:

Help the new employee adjust to the workplace. They’ll reinforce, not interfere with, your business’ training.
Work to ensure the new employee communicates effectively with coworkers and supervisors. They’ll help facilitate the relationship between the employee and supervisor.
Provide hands-on training, observation, and evaluation, discreetly.
Provide temporary support with the goal of long-term independent employment for the new employee.

Funding Sources

Participants in AtWork!'s Employment Services Program access funding support through:

King County Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Spokane County Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Private Pay

Michael, employed at Microsoft Transportation

Jobs that Match your Talent & Interests

AtWork! believes that everyone – including people with disabilities – can benefit from the transformative power of employment. Your AtWork! Employment Consultant is focused on one thing: aiding in your successful employment. They will be available every step of the way: working with you one-on-one to find the right job for your talents, abilities, and interests, checking in regularly, visiting you at your job site, and aiding in learning new tasks. We’ll even assist in resolving problems if they arise. AtWork! provides all the training and support you’ll need to overcome the obstacles and be successful in your new job.

In addition to your employment, we’re also a pathway to connection. We’re here to assist you in getting to know your employer and coworkers, understand your workplace culture, learning your job duties in a way that makes sense for you, and supporting you until you feel comfortable and ready to succeed in your position.

The Four Steps to Job Success:

Your Employment Consultant will identify your needs, abilities, and interests. They'll discover your skill set through a variety of tasks and explore your interests through volunteer opportunities, job tours, or job shadowing.

Your Employment Consultant partners with local businesses to find your job match. They will bring you and businesses together for interviews, assist in the decision to accept or reject the offer, and negotiate the employment offer and pay rate.

While you work on mastering your new job, we'll provide on-the-job training and support for you, your coworkers, and your circle of support.

Your Employment Consultant will support you through job coaching, advocating for you through any problems that arise, and check-ins as needed to ensure continued success.

Ready to Get Started?

We’re here to help and answer any questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you! You can also connect with us at (425) 274-4000 or at info@atworkwa.org.