Position Open Date: 04/30/2026
Position Close Date: 05/14/2026
Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as an Employment Specialist!
WHO WE ARE:
For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.
OUR VALUES:
At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We’re also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work—from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff.
To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Carries out the services of the IPS Supported Employment and Basic Food Employment & Training programs by assisting clients to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. Provides comprehensive employment case management services. Provides employment support through related programming as assigned.
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in the community.
- Develops employment plans with clients and provides individualized support to assist clients in maintaining employment.
- Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment.
- Assesses clients' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
- Works with outside employers to conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on caseload.
- Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodation and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
- Participates in weekly meetings with support team and communicates individually with team members between meetings to coordinate and integrate vocational services into other services.
- Regularly engages with other agency teams and departments to facilitate program referrals and collaboration.
- Maintains accurate and confidential client records. Provides reporting and billing information to as necessary.
- Attends and/or facilitates community networking events, meetings, specialized workshops, and trainings.
- Provides support for assigned department basic needs and employment programs.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human or Social Services AND
- Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience providing supported employment or similar services OR
- Four or more years of demonstrated experience providing supported employment or similar services OR
- Be a certified employment support professional (CESP) by the Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC) OR
- Be a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
- If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
- Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.
We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services.
OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and personal legal services
ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY:
Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute
We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That’s why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.