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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)
The job search begins immediately after the Individualized Job Search Plan has been created. Part of the employment process consists of job seekers enrolling in Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR), the Ticket to Work Program (TTW), and Work Source Oregon (iMatch System). For clients receiving SSI or SSDI, we can connect them to Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) for a Benefits Analysis to learn how to maintain their current benefits and work. Each Supported Employment Specialist (SES) meets regularly with clients in-person or via zoom.
The Supported Employment (SE) program uses the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, an evidence-based employment service that helps people with mental illness obtain and maintain employment. The services are modeled and guided by eight guiding principles for its service delivery:
- Zero Exclusion
The only requirement is wanting a job. - Competitive Employment
Jobs are open to any applicant. - Rapid Job Search
Search begins within 30 days. - Systematic Job Development
A clear plan developed by the job seeker and ES to obtain and retain a job. - Consumer Preferences
Help looking for the job you want. - Services are integrated with Mental Health Treatment Teams
Integrated support from your therapist, case manager, and/or peer. - Benefits Planning & Counseling
Information to know how your benefits could be affected by work and how to maintain them if desired - Time Unlimited Supports
Individualized support for up to a year after obtaining a job or until you have met your work goals
Supported Education (SEd)
SEd is for clients who want to further their education and training, whether to obtain a GED, high school diploma, vocational certification, or associate, bachelor, or master degree. All eligible adults enrolled in services are welcome if they want to pursue an educational goal. We assist with career planning, financial aid applications, scholarship applications, college applications, and connecting them to resources both off and on campus to ensure their success as they embark on their educational journey.
Team Members
Margaret Moore
Supervisor, LCSW, MAC
Margaret began supervising Health Centers Behavioral Health's (HCBH) Community Support Team (CST) in 2016. She supervises the Supported Employment and Supported Education Program for all HCBH Teams as well as Therapists, Case Managers, Housing Specialists, Interns, and Peers on the CST Team.
"A little progress each day adds up to big results."
"Everything is hard before it is easy."
Trina Taylor
Senior Employment Specialist, QMHA II
Trina is our Lead Employment Specialist and has been with Clackamas County for over 10 years. She works with the Community Support and Treatment Court Services Teams. She has helped many clients obtain their dream job and working their way off social security (SSI). During her first year with the SE Program, she helped us earn an Award for being #1 in the state.
"There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs."
- Zig Ziglar
Cindy Valenzuela
Education Specialist, QMHA II
Cindy joined the SE Team in 2020 as the Bilingual ES and became the Bilingual Education Specialist in 2023. She enjoys doing the work of both jobs. "The satisfaction and reward that comes from helping individuals find their dream jobs is amazing. I have had clients tell me they never thought they could find a job because they had never worked a day in their life. After helping them achieve their employment goals they thanked me for giving them the freedom to be seen, heard, and validated.
"Nothing is more rewarding than helping someone reach their full potential especially when they didn't believe it was possible."
Madison Omohundro
Employment Specialist, QMHA I
Madison joined the SE Team in 2021 as the Employment Specialist on the Adult Intensive Treatment Team (AITT). She is passionate about the mission of the SE program. "When we think about mental health treatment, employment may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, having a job plays a significant role in helping people heal and improve their mental health symptoms. It can help provide structure, stability, a community, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. This program plays a vital role in improving the lives of clients every day, and I am proud to be a part of it!"
April Lambert
Employment Specialist, QMHA-R
April is the Employment Specialist on the Sandy and CST Team. She joined the SE team in 2023 bringing over a decade of employment training and experience. "I know that everyone has a vision for their life. Sometimes things can get in the way — just for a moment — of that vision. I enjoy helping people see it again and I love inspiring, encouraging, and supporting others in their process of pursuing and fulfilling their life's journey. It is amazing when you can help somebody get what they want in life while also helping our business community thrive by gaining a highly successful employee. Supported employment is here to help the people in our community and our business owners live their best lives!"
"Success happens when preparation and opportunity meet."
Veronica Jeronimo
Employment Specialist, QMHA-R
Veronica is a Bilingual Employment Specialist on the CST and AITT Team. She joined the team in 2024 and has enjoyed the transition from working with youth to adults. She is extremely thankful to work with a team with such passion for those who want a little extra encouragement to achieve their goals. "Being part of a team that not only is enthusiastic but cares deeply about their work has helped me find my own pathway within behavioral health."
"Bloom where you are planted."