Jeff Humphrey, Media Manager, 509.625.6308
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 2:01 p.m.
The City of Spokane recently hosted a job fair to connect job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities to employers.
“It’s just bringing everyone together, under the same roof, to talk and get together. Potentially, do some interviews on the spot. Job seekers can give their resumes to the employers,” explained Liz Caverly of Spokane Civil Service.
Most applicants have access to job coaches, like Troy Marshall, who help employers prepare and train their new hires for their specific duties.
“Once the relationship has been established with the employer, then the coach can go out, with the client. Integrate them into their job description, support them as long as they need it, to keep their independence and then, eventually fade back,” outlined Troy Marshall, a business development consultant with Ability Employment Services.
Last month’s job fair, at the Hive on Sprague Avenue, was well attended by local employers, including The Davenport Hotel, Numerica, CHAS Health, STCU and Sherwin Williams.
The Spokane Fire Department has hired and retained Supported Employment Program employee Clayton Jacks since 2020. Jacks serves as SFD’s courier and quartermaster.
“This is a great opportunity for people who are overlooked. There’s no reason not to hire someone with an intellectual or developmental disability. They make great co-workers, great employees and we just want to continue that work,” emphasized Caverly.
For more information about the Supported Employment Program, you can visit the City of Spokane Civil Service Department website.
