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Supported Employment Services in Central and Eastern Oregon

ALSO helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful, community-based jobs across Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and the wider Central and Eastern Oregon region.

Supported Employment Services in Central and Eastern Oregon

Central and Eastern Oregon Supported Employment Services

Central and Eastern Oregon has a distinctive economy shaped by outdoor recreation, agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and a growing small-business community. ALSO’s employment team is rooted in this region and understands what local employers need and what local job seekers bring to the table.

We provide individualized supported employment services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across Deschutes County and the surrounding region. Whether someone is looking for their first job or returning to work after a gap, our job coaches and employment specialists walk alongside them through every step of the process, from career exploration to long-term success on the job.

Our employer partnerships span industries including retail, food service, hospitality, healthcare, education, and nonprofits, with businesses in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and beyond. Every service we provide to employers comes at no cost.

For Job Seekers in Central and Eastern Oregon

If you are an adult with I/DD living in or around Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Burns, or the broader Central Oregon area and you want to work, our ALSO team can help you get there. We take the time to understand your goals, your schedule, and the kind of work that feels right for you before we ever start a job search.

No previous work experience is needed. Our program is designed for all experience levels, and our coaches stay with you until you feel confident and settled in your role.

Services for job seekers include:

  • Person-centered career exploration and goal setting
  • Job matching based on your skills, interests, and availability
  • Application and interview preparation
  • Vocational training and job readiness support
  • On-the-job coaching from day one
  • Benefits counseling to help you understand how work affects your state and federal benefits
  • Ongoing support for as long as you need it

For Employers in Central and Eastern Oregon

Central Oregon businesses that partner with ALSO gain access to reliable, motivated employees, along with ongoing support from our job coaching team. We match candidates to your specific role, culture, and schedule, and we handle the coordination and follow-up so you can focus on your business.

There is no cost to employers. All services are funded through ALSO and state programs.

Employer benefits include:

  • Candidates pre-screened and matched to your specific needs
  • On-site job coaching during onboarding and training
  • Ongoing communication and check-ins from ALSO staff
  • A more inclusive workplace that many of our partners say improves team culture and retention

"Employing people who are supported by job coaches has been a game changer for me. The impact on the atmosphere of the club, along with the fact that they do a great job, has made a huge difference in our service and our bottom line."

Tate Metcalf Owner, Sisters Athletic Club

Our Central and Eastern Oregon Employer Partners

We are grateful to work with a wide range of local businesses across the region committed to inclusive hiring. Current employer partners include:

Coastal Farm & Ranch – Redmond Fred Meyer – Redmond
High Desert Educational Service District Juniper Golf Course
MOD Pizza – Bend Old Navy – Bend
Sisters Athletic Club Three Creeks Brewery
The Robert Axle Project Safeway – Bend
Safeway – Redmond Holiday Inn Express – Bend
Wal-Mart – Redmond Albertson’s – Bend
Harney County School District #3 Abby’s Pizza – Bend
Best Buy – Bend Bi-Mart – Sisters
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria Laird Superfood
Restore Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity Riverhouse Hotel
Super 8 Motel – Bend Touchmark

How to Get Started in Central and Eastern Oregon

  1. Contact your county Developmental Disabilities office or Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation to begin the eligibility and referral process.
  2. Once referred, ALSO's Central Oregon employment team reaches out to learn about your goals, interests, and availability.
  3. We identify employer matches and begin preparing you for the application and interview process.
  4. Job coaching begins from day one, with ALSO staff on-site to support your transition into the role.
  5. Ongoing follow-up continues as long as needed to ensure lasting success.

Central and Eastern Oregon Employment FAQs

What communities does ALSO serve in Central and Eastern Oregon?

Who is eligible for supported employment services?

Is there a cost to job seekers or their families?

Do you serve smaller towns and rural communities outside Bend?

Can I keep my SSI or other benefits if I start working?

What kinds of jobs are available in Central Oregon?

How long does job coaching last?

How does ALSO support employers in a region with a tight labor market?

What does it cost an employer to partner with ALSO?

How do I refer someone to the Central Oregon employment program?

Contact Our Central and Eastern Oregon Employment Team

Portland: Portland:
(503) 489-6565
Email: Email:
centraloregon@alsoweb.org
Location Location
243 SW Scalehouse Loop, Ste 5A, Bend, OR 97702
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