Chinook Enterprises offers personalized employment services to residents of Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and Whatcom County. These are offered to those facing barriers to employment due to disability, injury, or other challenges. Our services encompass career guidance, job development, training, and ongoing support to facilitate meaningful employment opportunities.

Individuals aged 14 and older residing in Skagit/Island/Whatcom/Snohomish County who experience disabilities or other barriers to employment are eligible. Services are typically funded through agencies such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), and local school districts.

No, Chinook Enterprises provides vocational services at no cost to eligible individuals, as funding is secured through partnering agencies. If an individual doesn’t qualify for service through a partnering agency, Chinook can offer private-pay agreements for services on a sliding scale.

The process begins with a “Discovery” phase, where our team meets with you and, if applicable, your family or support network to understand your interests, strengths, and employment goals. This phase helps tailor a career plan suited to your aspirations.

Our Employment Services staff conducts “job development” by identifying opportunities that align with your skills and interests. We perform job site analyses, consult with employers, and may facilitate job tryouts to ensure a good fit.

Post-placement, we offer one-on-one job coaching, assist in developing natural workplace supports, provide necessary accommodations, and maintain follow-up services to address any arising needs, ensuring long-term employment success.

Chinook Enterprises offers various programs, including:

• Individual Employment Program: Assists in finding and maintaining paid employment.
• Community Inclusion Program: Promotes participation in community activities for those not pursuing employment.
• Community Engagement: Enhances connections to community resources.
• Independent Living: Addresses life skills that support employment readiness.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services: Provides work-based learning for youth.
• Specialized Habilitation: Focuses on developing adaptive skills for community inclusion.

Yes, transitions between programs are possible, based on your evolving goals and needs. For instance, after participating in the Individual Employment Program, you may choose to engage in the Community Inclusion Program, and vice versa, depending on your preferences and eligibility.

Each individual receives a tailored plan developed through collaborative discussions, assessments, and regular reviews. Our staff is dedicated to understanding and supporting your unique employment journey.