Affordable housing for people with I/DD is in low supply. Learn what ALSO is doing to make a difference.

Employment Services Throughout Oregon

An intellectually disabled employee stocks soda boxes in a grocery store.

Creating Meaningful and Inclusive Workplaces

People with disabilities making real contributions to their community is at the heart of our values at ALSO. People frequently define a part of themselves by what they do for work. The people we support at ALSO identify and seek real inclusion with respect to the careers they engage in, and we are here to make these visions a reality. Employment is essential to fully realizing independence, identity, and financial freedoms for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oregon. Real work brings many benefits to people with IDD, including increasing self-worth, building relationships, and access to community resources.

How It Works For Employers 

ALSO’s specialized Employment Services are designed to fulfill the employer’s needs while providing meaningful employment and job development for the people we support. Our individualized employment approach for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities offers a partnership with the people we support, your business, and the ALSO team. Through this partnership and our community-based approach, you will gain responsible, productive employees.

Our supported employment services include: 

  • Delivering a person-centered approach for each person, honoring human rights and individual choice.
  • Matching your company with qualified applicants with the skills and personality to fit your business needs and culture.
  • Tailoring part-time positions of 10 to 20 hours a week.
  • Vocational training and ongoing support are provided at no cost to your company until your employee is up and going independently.

How It Works For Job Seekers

ALSO is a service provider that helps people with disabilities make informed decisions about work, benefits, and the use of work incentives to achieve their employment goals through our supported employment program. We have job coaches and employment specialists to assist with all parts of the employment process. Many people with disabilities believe that they will lose all of their federal and state benefits or their medical insurance if they go to work, but this is seldom true.

Let’s Work Together

Contact one of of us today to learn more about us and what we offer.

Team Member Photo

Portland Metro

Chaz Volavka

Employment Director

(503) 758-8576

Team Member Photo

Central and Southern Oregon

Spencer Brown

Central and Southern Oregon Associate Director

(541) 410-0317

Or schedule a tour today and let us showcase ALSO’s disability services, vision, the people we support, and our staff. To schedule a tour, visit our events page or contact Sarah Cinquini via email at sarah.cinquini@alsoweb.org or by phone at (503) 753-1239. We’re all in this together.

Explore Regional Employment Opportunities

Meet Cody from Portland, Oregon

Hometown: Gresham, OR
Favorite activity: Hiking
Favorite hobby: Painting

ALSO has gone beyond all expectations to create a team which honors Cody's individualism and to support him in his occupation.

— Ann Donaca-Sullivan, Mom to Cody, Portland, OR

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Heart work opens doors.

Help us ensure that everyone has the same opportunities in their home, workplace and community. Let’s make dreams!

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