Branch Location - Omak, WA

In 1992, we opened our branch location in Omak serving employers and a small group of customers with developmental disabilities in Okanogan County. since that time, our Omak Branch has grown and provides services to individuals with disabilities, Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and employers.  In 2011, we expanded our services to the Chelan and Douglas County areas to assist customers served by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and area employers.

Who We Are

Jodi DeCesari, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation

Jodi began her career with Career Path Services as the Branch Manager of the Omak Office in 2007.  She holds a BSW and MS in Human and Family Services.

Lee Root, Employment Associate

Lee began work with Career Path Services in 2008 after a successful teaching career. He provides employment services to individuals with disabilities and works with customers in Department of Commerce Funded Programs.

Kristen Blue, Employment Specialist

Kristen began employment with Career Path Services in 2010. She previously worked as a case manager at a community mental health organization and in the Special Education Department at Omak School District. She combines this experience to serve customers who have disabilities.

Jessica Rouse, Employment Specialist

Jessica is the newest member of the Omak Team. Jessica’s teaching background and knowledge of our local area are great assets in her work serving customers with disabilities.

What We Do

Individual Supported Employment (ISE) is provided for individuals currently accessing services through Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. ISE is designed to assist those individuals who need additional assistance, training and ongoing support to secure and maintain employment.

Community Access Services are funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and provided to individuals found eligible by DDD who are age 62 and older or have obtained an exception through DDD. Customers are assisted to engage in their local communities through activities, involvement in clubs or organization, volunteer work and other activities of interest.

Transition Program – Our Omak Office contracts with both the Omak and Okanogan School Districts to provide Individual Supported Employment and Transition activities for students age 16-21. Activities include unpaid work experiences, skills training, employment preparation, job development and transition to paid employment.

DVR Services – Career Path Services partners with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to assist our mutual customers to re-integrate into the workforce. Services include assessment, independent living skills training, job placement, training and retention.

Department of Commerce Programs – Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) may be referred to our office to participate in one of three programs: Community Jobs; Job Connection; or Career Development. These programs allow participant to gain work skills, current work history and overcome employment barriers as they transition into the workforce.

Employer Services

We offer the following employer services:

• We can provide you with qualified, pre-screened applicants
• Pay wages while you train
• Provide employee/employer support
• Assist you with paperwork to take advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
• If you are a non-profit or governmental entity, we can provide you with an employee at no cost to you and provide support for the duration of their time with you.
• Every year we help local employers to save thousands of dollars!

Who We Serve

We offer services to individuals and employers:

• Individual with disabilities
• Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Employers

How We Provide Services

Our goals are accomplished through a comprehensive training, placement, and retention program.

• Assessment – We assess prior work history, training, skills, challenges and interests.
• Develop an individualized plan. We establish a plan to overcome challenges to employment and work towards meeting employment goals.
• Provide a wide array of services depending upon the program the customer is enrolled in and their initial assessment. These include training, resume development, guidance and resource referral.
• Job Development and Placement Activities – We work with employers to find the right job match.
• Retention and Follow Along Services – We work with employers to help ensure employee success and employer satisfaction.

Where We Provide Services

• Throughout Okanogan County
• Grand Coulee area
• Chelan and Douglas County

Our Fund Sources

• Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare
• Department of Commerce
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Omak School District
• Okanogan School District

People We Serve

We served 198 customers in 2010.

• Division of Developmental Disabilities: 37
• Mental Health Supported Employment: 24
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: 82
• Department of Commerce: 50
• School Transition Program: 5

Goals And Outcomes For 2010

ISE Program

• Average Wage:  $10.53
• Total Wages Earned by customers

Mental Health Supported Employment Program

• Employment Rate:  65.58%
• Average Wage: $9.12
• Percentage of those with benefits:  31%

DVR

• Average Wage: $9.88

Community Jobs

• Average Wage: $9.05
• Average Hours per week: 32.36

Employer Services

• Over $85,000 in WOTC tax credit savings to local employers during last program year.