Snohomish County honored as Public Employer of the Year

November 4, 2016 2:20 pm
Snohomish County
Snohomish County

The following is a release from Snohomish County:

Snohomish County was honored with two awards from the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment at their annual award ceremony on Oct. 7.

The awards included the 2016 Governors Public Employer Award – Departments of Human Services and Human Resources and the 2016 Employment Support Professional – Sue Anne Lemkin, Supported Employment Coordinator, Department of Human Resources.

“We are very proud of the great work our supported employees do for the people of Snohomish County,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Through hard work and perseverance, our supported employees make a difference in people’s lives every day. Those who run our supported employment program are innovators and advocates, giving us a more representative government and one that works better for all.”

Snohomish County has a long history of employing individuals with developmental disabilities and recognizes the rich talent pool that this brings to the labor force.

Snohomish County Human Services and Human Resources have partnered to provide Supported Employment to individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Several Snohomish County departments—including Public Works, Human Services, the Auditor, and Parks and Recreation—have embraced the supported employment model. Departments assess the work that needs to be accomplished and tasks are customized to meet the needs of the employer and employee. Positions currently range from 20 to 40 hours per week and include medical/dental benefits, sick/vacation leave, retirement, and a competitive wage. Several positions are covered under collective bargaining.

The Supported Employment Coordinator in the Human Resources Department collaborates with other Snohomish County Departments and the 11 employment agencies that provide individualized job coaching support through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration, and the Developmental Disabilities Unit in the Aging and Disabilities Division of the County’s Human Services Department.