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Our goal is to foster an individual's talents, strengths, and desires to assist in developing a career path that leads towards achieving their career and/or educational goals.
For people living with mental health conditions, decent work can contribute to recovery and inclusion, improve confidence and social functioning.
Supported Employment (SE)
Supported Employment helps individuals find and keep competitive employment that matches their interests, strengths, and goals. Once an Individualized Job Search Plan is created, the job search begins promptly. As part of the process, participants may be supported to enroll in:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)
- Ticket to Work (TTW)
- WorkSource Oregon (iMatch system)
For individuals receiving SSI or SSDI, we can connect you with Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) for a benefits analysis. This helps you understand how working may affect your benefits and how to maintain benefits while employed.
Each participant works one-on-one with a Supported Employment Specialist (SES) through regular meetings, either in person or via Zoom.
- Zero Exclusion: Anyone who expresses a desire to work is eligible for services.
- Competitive Employment: Jobs are open to anyone in the workforce.
- Rapid Job Search: Job searching typically begins within 30 days.
- Systematic Job Development: A clear plan is developed in partnership with you and your Employment Specialist.
- Consumer Choice: You decide what kind of work you want to pursue.
- Integrated Mental Health Support: Employment services are coordinated with your therapist, case manager, and/or peer support provider.
- Benefits Planning and Counseling: Learn how employment may affect benefits and how to protect benefits if desired.
Supported Education (SEd)
Supported Education is available for individuals who want to start, continue, or complete their education or training. This includes pursuing:
- A GED or high school diploma
- Vocational or professional certifications
- Associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees
All eligible adults enrolled in services are welcome if they have an educational goal. Support may include:
- Career and education planning
- Help with college or trainingprogram applications
- Assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications
- Connections to on-campus and community resources to support long-term educational success
We’re here to help you feel supported, confident, and prepared as you take the next step in your career or education journey.
Contact Information
To learn more about Employment and Education Support Services, please contact your care team or call the Behavioral Health Access Line at 503-655-8401. Staff can help determine eligibility and connect you with the appropriate program.