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.

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

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

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

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

Respect
We treat every individual with kindness, compassion, and appreciation.

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

Humility
We 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 Specialist

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity (ALSO)

Location: Beaverton/Hillsboro
Department: Employment
Reports to: Employment Manager
Position: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt
Pay: $20.25-$21.75, depending on experience

Help people build careers and community connections

A meaningful job can create opportunities for independence, connection, and belonging. As an Employment Specialist at ALSO, you will help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find and succeed in jobs that reflect their interests, strengths, and goals.

You will get to know each person, build relationships with local employers, and create employment opportunities that meet the needs of both the person and the business. You will also provide hands-on support as people learn their jobs and build workplace relationships, helping them transition to ongoing support from an Employment Professional.

What you will do

Support each person’s employment goals

• Learn about each person’s interests, abilities, support needs, and career goals.
• Help people explore careers, build job skills, and find paid employment in community workplaces alongside people with and without disabilities.
• Coordinate assessments, career exploration, Discovery Profiles, and other Vocational Rehabilitation services as assigned.
• Support people at their job sites as they learn tasks, communicate with coworkers, and build confidence.
• Help establish workplace supports, such as coworkers who can provide guidance and encouragement.
• Participate in Individual Support Plan meetings and help prepare related documents.

Build partnerships with employers

• Connect with local businesses and community organizations to identify employment opportunities.
• Match people with jobs that reflect their goals and meet business needs.
• Review job tasks and work environments to recommend training, accommodations, or customized responsibilities.
• Help employers develop effective communication and training approaches.

Keep services organized and accountable

• Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, the Employment Manager, families, and other support partners.
• Complete accurate progress notes, monthly reports, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Track service authorizations and billing information to support timely, accurate billing.
• Follow confidentiality, safety, and service requirements.
• Complete required training, attend team meetings, and communicate regularly with management.
• Respond calmly to unexpected situations and follow approved safety procedures.

What you bring

• Experience providing services through Vocational Rehabilitation contracts.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of the Employment Core Competency Series and training required for assigned ODDS and Vocational Rehabilitation services.
• CESP, ACRE, JDOT, or the four-part OELN training series offered by WISE—or the ability to complete an applicable credential or series within one year of starting.
• A valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• The ability to travel regularly between community locations and job sites, occasionally up to 50 miles.
• Availability for a schedule that may vary based on the employment needs of people supported, including occasional early, evening, or weekend hours.

Skills that will help you succeed

• Relationship building: You listen, establish trust, and help employers see the value of inclusive hiring.
• Person-centered support: You respect individual choice and help people pursue their own goals.
• Creative problem-solving: You adapt training and support when a job task or workplace presents a barrier.
• Organization: You manage appointments, service authorizations, documentation, and monthly deadlines.
• Clear communication: You communicate respectfully with people of different backgrounds, abilities, and communication styles.
• Employment knowledge: You understand job development, hiring paperwork, workplace accommodations, and how employment may affect Social Security benefits.
• Technology: You are comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and electronic documentation systems.
• Professional judgment: You work independently, protect confidential information, and seek guidance when needed.

What the work looks like

This role involves working in businesses and community settings with different physical environments and job tasks. Depending on the support assignment, duties may include assisting people into or out of vehicles and other spaces, supporting mobility, and lifting, transferring, pushing, pulling, or repositioning up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations are available to support qualified applicants and advocates in performing essential job functions. Employment is subject to completion of the required criminal history check.

How success is measured

Success in this role means people are making progress toward employment goals they helped choose, employers have the support they need, and job placements lead to greater stability and independence. Accurate documentation, current service authorizations, and effective transitions to ongoing employment support are also key parts of the role.