Support work, job coaches make big impact, can earn health care

By Tom Peterson

EOSSB Executive Director Laura Noppenberger

There are many people in our community who have developmental and intellectual disabilities who have jobs and live independently. 

But they can't always do it alone.

Oftentimes a personal support worker  or a job coach is needed to help them in daily or work-related tasks.

Turns out, it is a pretty good job for the right person, someone who understands we all need assistance at times - someone easing into retirement or looking for part-time work or is looking for a summer gig.  

It’s quite simple, said Laura Noppenberger. 

“The role is to help people with a greater level of independence and increase people's overall safety,” she said. 

Noppenberger is the Executive Director of Eastern Oregon Support Services Brokerage (EOSSB), based in Hood River. The brokerage supports people with disabilities in Eastern Oregon to achieve control over their lives and to participate in satisfying lifestyles based on the same aspirations as all citizens.

Unlike many other states, Oregon has a robust set of services to help people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and  brokerage’s can lend a hand to those in our communities living independently but who still need some assistance at work or at home.

For example, a person with a developmental or intellectual disability may require an assistant to work at a job. Or someone may need help with their finances, dishes or doing laundry. 

But finding good people to work is tough.

Like many other services and businesses in the community, EOSSB is having difficulty finding people for positions. 

Individuals the brokerage serves are currently looking to hire people who would like to be job coaches or provide personal support workers to people living in our communities. 

“Personal Support workers provide a high level of support and assist in community integration, productivity, being successful and living a full life,” Noppenberger said. 

Wages start at $15.77 and can increase with certifications. Job Coaches and Personal Support Workers also receive health benefits after working 40 hours for two months consecutively through SEIU. That’s 10 hours a week.

Applicants must pass a thorough background check. Training is necessary for employment and the process takes about six weeks before being placed with a client.

Noppenberger said the positions are union-represented and include workman’s compensation, training, opportunities for professional development certifications, raises through union bargaining, sick time and vacation time.

“You have to have the belief that you are there to support people to be successful,” Noppenberger said. “All of us, I don’t care who you are, need some level of support.”

She pointed out that integration in the community is one key to safety. 

A person with a developmental disability who is working at a job in the community has a set of people that they contact routinely. In one instance, she said a client fell on the way to work and coworkers quickly responded to help the individual.

She said a caring community such as this increases safety. 

Those interested in job opportunities with EOSBB can go to their website. Call (541)386-3600. Packets on employment, the first step, are available at their office.

Learn more about careers in personal support work here. 

Learn more about careers in job support for someone with a developmental or intellectual disability here.