About the Program

We recognize the ability, responsibility and the right of all people to lead self-determined lives. Our goal is to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment in the field of their choosing.

Goodwill’s Disability Services program provides a wide range of employment support to over 250 participants a year. Goodwill recognizes the ability, responsibility and the right of all people to lead self-determined lives. Our goal is to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment in the field of their choosing. We will identify your talents and help you find a job that is right for you.

Services

Identify Talents

Identify individual strengths, capabilities, interests, and job goals to assist in obtaining competitive employment.

Job Search & Support

Assistance in developing a resume, identifying potential employers, completing job applications, and interview practice and preparation.

Job Placement

Assistance and supports in obtaining a competitive employment in a field that interests you.

Job Integration Supports

Assistance learning and mastering essential job functions, as well as the creation of natural on the job support systems.

Job Retention

Additional on the job assistance to ensure you have the tools you need to maintain employment. The length of support is determined on an individual basis.

Virtual Learning Library

We’ve made updating your job skills even easier through Goodwill’s Virtual Learning Library where you can learn at your own pace or take a course when it’s convenient for you.

Individual Supported Employment Services

Overview

Services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. Participants are supported in achieving community employment that offers competitive wages, an integrated work environment, and the greatest opportunity for independence on the job. Support Services are individualized to meet each participant’s needs on the job and are consistent with the participant’s interest, skills, and employment goals.

Eligibility Requirements

A referral is required to participate in this program by any one of the following:

  • Developmental Disabilities Administration
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Department of Services for the Blind
  • School District Personnel
  • Those who are receiving: DDA Basic Plus or Community Protection Home and Community Based Service Waivers, or on Roads to Community Living

Other Requirements

  • 18+ and residing in Pierce or Cowlitz County
  • Able to take care of your own hygiene and personal needs
  • Not be a danger to yourself or others
  • Have a documented disability

Group Supported Employment Services

Overview

Services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. Participants are supported in achieving skills necessary for community employment that offers competitive wages, an integrated work environment, and the greatest opportunity for independence on the job. Support Services are individualized to meet each participant’s needs on the job and are consistent with the participant’s interest, skills, and employment goals.

What You Receive

Referral to us is required by any one of the following:

  • Developmental Disabilities Administration
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Department of Services for the Blind
  • School District Personnel

Requirements

  • 18+ and residing in Pierce or Cowlitz County
  • Able to take care of your own hygiene and personal needs
  • Not be a danger to yourself or others
  • Have a documented disability

School to Work

Overview

The School to Work Program is designed to assist eligible high school transition aged students in obtaining paid employment prior to exiting school. Students enrolled in the program will collaborate with the job coaches, their parent(s)/guardian, school district staff, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The goal is to help the student gain competitive employment before exiting the school district’s transition program, making a seamless transition into the adult services system.

Eligibility Requirements

A student must be enrolled in or have a referral by any one of the following:

  • Have an open case with Developmental Disabilities Administration
  • Enrolled and attending Pierce County High School
  • Have applied and be eligible for services with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • School District Personnel

Requirements

  • High School Transition Aged Student residing in Pierce or Cowlitz County
  • Able to take care of your own hygiene and personal needs
  • Not be a danger to yourself or others
  • Have a documented disability

Ticket to Work

Overview

The Ticket to Work (Ticket) program is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, gain employment that may lead to a competitive career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid benefits. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. The Ticket to Work program provides work Incentives and allows you to keep your benefits while you explore employment, receive job training and gain work experience. To figure out if Ticket to Work may be right for you, visit www.ssa.gov/work.

What You Receive

  • Individualized career counseling, personalized work plan, and analysis of impact on your medical benefits for returning to work
  • Pre & post-employment services
  • Three to five years of support during program enrollment
  • Potential waiver of medical review (CDR) by Social Security
  • Work incentives for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries are built into the program to provide support for cash and medical benefits

Requirements

  • Must be between 18 and 64 years of age
  • Currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

Contact

Phone: 253-573-6796
Email: [email protected]

Virtual Learning Library

Overview

Learn a new skill or update your current skills on YOUR time. Our library was compiled by Goodwill’s Disability Services staff who are trained in assisting individuals with specialized support needs in order to achieve success for all levels of learners.

Subjects Include:

  • Employment Skills & Workplace Readiness
  • Job Search and Interviewing Skills
  • Critical Thinking & Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Basic Computer & Math Skills
  • Self-Advocacy & Inclusion skills
  • and many more.

All you need is an internet-connected device.

Am I Eligible?

Goodwill’s Virtual Learning Library is currently available to the public; however, we
encourage users to connect with our Disability Services program for additional
resources.

We will continue to add topics in the future through our other job training programs and
career pathway services.

Want More Information?

Call 253-573-6629 or click the button below to email us.

Success Stories

“Goodwill helped me get my job at Mod Pizza a long time ago. We went to an interview that went very well. I was hired and so happy that I was finally going to be able to be more independent and do more things that I’d like to do. I like that I have a job coach to help me occasionally when I need it.”

David McMullin

MOD Pizza

“I like my job for the money and so that I’m not at home bored. It makes me happy to have a job and work with people that I can make friends with.”

Jennifer Larsen

Cintas Corporation

“I get to help people. I like being helpful.”

Richard Gill

Home Depot

What Companies Have Hired Graduates?

Partners

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