Goldman & Associates is a team of skilled Vocational Specialists and Trainers based in Clark County (Washington) that focus on producing successful employment experiences for individuals with disabilities and the companies they work for.  Started in 1986, we paved the way for individuals with disabilities to receive services outside of a workshop setting.  Our priority is in creating a successful pathway to employment that is tailored to the individual, building a collaborative relationship between the job seeker, their support network, employers, and public service providers.  The services we provide aim to overcome the barriers job seekers with disabilities have in securing employment, and the accommodations businesses may make in training and retaining an inclusive workforce.  Our services are provided to the job seeker and employer, funded by contracts with Clark County Community Services and Washington’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Our Partners in Supported Employment

Local Businesses –

We work closely with local businesses to promote inclusive employment by placing individuals with disabilities into work places and assisting with employee training and transition.  Our goal is to only place individuals into environments where they can succeed as a productive member of the team, by carefully evaluating immediate and long term needs.  For more information, visit the Employers section.

Washington’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) –

Washington’s DVR utilizes our services to work with job seekers to assess abilities for employment, barriers to employment, and finding an ideal fit that works best for the employee and employer.

Clark County Community Services, Developmental Disabilities Program –

The Developmental Disabilities Program works with Goldman as part of a holistic approach to ensure a positive and productive life.  We provide ongoing support for some clients, and communicate with Community Services to ensure quality transportation, counseling, and support at home.

When and How we Provide Services

Depending on where you are with the job search process, we provide professional education, assessment, and support for a wide range of job seekers, currently employed individuals, their support network, and employers.  Services can generally be defined by a process of Intake, Discovery, Assessment, Job Preparation, Job Development, Job Coaching, and Maintaining Employment.

1. Intake
  • Initial Interview – Talk to the job seeker and their family care giver to gather information regarding limitations, preferences, and needs.
  • Navigating the process – Providing explanation and guidance to job seekers on paperwork requirements, and the processes and options to receive support.
  • Coordinating Resources – Work with public services agencies to provide accurate picture of needs, and in addressing those needs as best benefits the job seeker.
2. Discovery
  • Developing a Network of ‘Natural’ Supports – Communicate with friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and other personal advocates to determine the quality of the job seekers immediate support network, and strengthen it through collaboration and education.
  • Exposure to Change – Put the job seeker in situations and locations that are unfamiliar, to learn how the individual responds.
  • Researching the Job Market – Evaluate the job seekers preferences, and the opportunities within their community for employment.
3. Assessment
  • Community Based Assessments – Observe the job seeker in a real business setting, to determine if the individual is capable of performing the essential functions.
  • Trial Work Experiences – Give the job seeker a limited job experience to determine preferences, skills, and needs.
  • Building a Plan – Create an individualized strategy for the job seeker that takes into account the assessments and suggests tools and technology that may assist with the preferred job duties.
4. Job Preparation
  • Developing a Resume and/or Portfolio – Work with the job seeker and their supports to build a professional proposal of their employment history, accomplishments, and skills for employers to review.
  • Interview Training – Allow the job seeker to practice their speaking and presentation skills, to help with addressing anticipated questions.
  • Assisting with Application Requirements – Help the job seeker complete applications and retrieve required items (such as a food handlers card or first aid certification).
5. Job Development
  • Introducing to the Labor Market – Conduct tours of businesses of interest with the job seeker, create presentations and proposals for hiring to employers, attend networking functions.
  • Educating Employers – Promote the benefits to employers, outline expectations, and negotiate for accommodations.
  • Analyze Labor Markets – Review employment history and potential for desired industries, identify potential employers.
6. Job Coaching
  • Setting up Transportation – Coordinate a solution and schedule for new hires arrival and departure from work site.
  • Integrating Supports – Inform and develop the existing natural supports, and add new co-workers as advocates and resources.
  • Building tools for independence – Create task lists, physical aids, maps, or technology tools as would assist the new hire for success.
7. Maintaining Employment
  • Check-in/ Problem-solve – Periodically visit the job site to assess employee needs, employer expectations, and assisting with any transitions that may be required.
  • Additional Job Training – Educate the employee, their co-workers, and/or supervisors on overcoming challenges.
  • Maintain Collaborations for Success – Professionally serve as a central point of communication between the employee, supervisor, and support networks to advocate for work related needs.