Program Information
The SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP) at WorkSource Oregon is designed to assist individuals receiving SNAP benefits to obtain skills, training, work experience, and employment to increase their ability to obtain living-wage employment.
How to Participate |
Support Services for Participants |
Connect with a STEP Career Coach for an initial informational appointment
Create short term employment and/or training goals Document the goals on an Opportunity Plan Check in with your Career Coach twice a month to:
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Meet Your Career Coaches!
Career Coaches
Tracy Davila
(503) 378-2056 OED_STEP_SALEM@oregon.gov |
Serving others for over 20 years, Tracy has a heart and desire to assist others with their career goals. Armed with a wealth of resources and experience, Tracy is here to inspire, motivate and support STEP participants. She can help you identify your training and employment goals. As a bilingual Career coach, facilitator and long-time OED staff member, Tracy offers an empathetic and holistic approach as she helps guide participants in the program towards meeting and achieving their identified goals.
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Donita Cooper
(503) 378-2056 OED_STEP_SALEM@oregon.gov |
Donita brings a strong background as a Claims Specialist and Underwriter for a Fortune 500 company. It was her passion for service that brought her to the OED. Donita is fired up to work with STEP participants in identifying goals using SMART methods as they strive for self-sufficiency. Contact Donita today to formulate a plan to help you assess the job market and find a position that meets your interests, skill levels and financial needs.
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Amanda Parsons
(503) 378-2056 OED_STEP_SALEM@oregon.gov |
With a background in Hospitality, Sports and Event management, Amanda sought a career change that would allow her to have in impact in the lives of Oregonians. Armed with many years in a number of industries coupled with a BS in Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, Amanda is committed to serving all participants and respecting the diversity of our job seekers as they work towards meeting their employment goals.
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Let's Get Started!
Connect with your Career Coach
*Please complete both sections so we can capture your information and respond within 24 hours of your submission*
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Contact our Willamette Workforce Partners
Easterseals is committed to empowering low-income older workers to achieve economic independence and fully engage in the process of determining their own future, through participating in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
SCSEP is the largest federally-funded program for older adults who seek employment and training assistance, as well as civic engagement. Through this transitional employment program, Easterseals partners with community-based non-profit organizations and government agencies (host agencies) to provide participants with training opportunities to update their skills. During their time in SCSEP, job seekers work with Easterseals staff to target and achieve personal employment goals. |

DHS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job that matches their skills, interests, and abilities. VR staff work in partnership with the community and businesses to provide services that are individualized to help each eligible person receive services that are essential to their employment success

Dynamic Educational Systems, Inc., (DESI) is dedicated to helping qualified youth and adults receive the education, training, and job placement assistance they need to support themselves, their families, and their communities. From executive management to maintenance staff, each member of the DESI team places customer needs first.
DESI works with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps Program, as well as with local workforce development agencies administering the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), to provide opportunities for success.
The Job Corps program provides eligible youth ages 16 to 24 with an opportunity to not only finish their high school education but obtain practical career training and job placement assistance. DESI has been a Job Corps partner for over half of the program’s history, helping tens of thousands of youth begin rewarding careers and successful lives.
DESI works with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps Program, as well as with local workforce development agencies administering the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), to provide opportunities for success.
The Job Corps program provides eligible youth ages 16 to 24 with an opportunity to not only finish their high school education but obtain practical career training and job placement assistance. DESI has been a Job Corps partner for over half of the program’s history, helping tens of thousands of youth begin rewarding careers and successful lives.

Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC) is a not-for-profit human service organization that has been providing services for farmworkers and disadvantaged individuals throughout Oregon continuously since 1979. The services include support, referral, advocacy, resources, assistance, and education. These programs are funded through a variety of contracts with federal, state, local, and private funding sources.

Representing Section 166 Indian & Native Americans Programs (Adult/Youth). Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I, Amended by WIOA Title IV
The section 166 programs are designed to support employment and training activities in order to develop more fully the academic, occupational and literacy skills; make individuals more competitive in the workforce, promote economic and social development in accordance with the goals and values of such communities. These programs are administered in a way that not only meet regulatory requirements but also in ways that are consistent with the traditional cultural values and beliefs of the people they are designed to serve.
The section 166 programs are designed to support employment and training activities in order to develop more fully the academic, occupational and literacy skills; make individuals more competitive in the workforce, promote economic and social development in accordance with the goals and values of such communities. These programs are administered in a way that not only meet regulatory requirements but also in ways that are consistent with the traditional cultural values and beliefs of the people they are designed to serve.

Since 1980, CSC has been part of a state and national network helping people and communities to thrive. We offer a number of services in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. These services focus on essential day-to-day survival, such as food and housing, as well as developing new skills that lead to independence through education, training, and work. Whether you need help keeping the heat on today or want help planning for your career of tomorrow, CSC is here to help.
We believe that every family should have access to a stable home, nutritious food, quality education and training, and a job that pays a living wage. We also realize these things can be hard to get without some help along the way. CSC is your place to start. We want to work with you, as a partner, to achieve your goal of a better life for you and your family. In all that we do, CSC provides help for today and skills for tomorrow.
We believe that every family should have access to a stable home, nutritious food, quality education and training, and a job that pays a living wage. We also realize these things can be hard to get without some help along the way. CSC is your place to start. We want to work with you, as a partner, to achieve your goal of a better life for you and your family. In all that we do, CSC provides help for today and skills for tomorrow.

To engage in an education that enables all of us to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from the cultural richness and economic vitality of our communities.

Chemeketa provides opportunities for students to explore, learn, and succeed through quality educational experiences and workforce training. Collaboration – We collaborate to ensure purposeful, effective programs and services that support all students. We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage the free exchange of ideas.

The Oregon Commission for the Blind was established in 1937 as a state agency to provide services to Oregon’s citizens who experience vision loss and need specialized training and support to live full and productive lives. The agency receives policy direction and oversight from a seven-member Commission representing consumer organizations, education, ophthalmology/optometry, business and individual citizens. The agency operates under ORS 346.110 through 346.570 and through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, which designated the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration as the principal federal agency to oversee the national vocational rehabilitation system throughout the nation, in collaboration with the US Department of Labor and other workforce entities.
Contact our Willamette Workforce Service Providers

With an in-depth understanding of the local job market and established relationships with local employers and educational institutions, South Coast Business provides you with the resources, expertise and tools you need to succeed. We offer career planning guidance, tips and advice for improving your job search, paid internships, training and educational opportunities and the financial support to make it all possible. To get the tools you need to get a job, keep a job, or begin a new career, contact South Coast Business today at 800-974-4054.

Our dedicated Housing staff sees individuals and families at their most vulnerable: When they are in danger of losing their homes. We offer assistance to low- or moderate-income renters and homeowners to enable them to stay in their homes or to transition from being a renter to a homeowner.
CSC can assist those who are homeless, at risk of losing their housing, or who have issues with their current housing that could be addressed with weatherization or energy education services. CSC staff are trained to assess each situation and offer appropriate services while treating everyone with respect and caring.
We offer a variety of services to help, and we work closely with committed partners to get the best information available about what programs are there to help individuals and families in our region.
CSC can assist those who are homeless, at risk of losing their housing, or who have issues with their current housing that could be addressed with weatherization or energy education services. CSC staff are trained to assess each situation and offer appropriate services while treating everyone with respect and caring.
We offer a variety of services to help, and we work closely with committed partners to get the best information available about what programs are there to help individuals and families in our region.

At United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, we focus on the building blocks of a good life because we all benefit when we each have the education to help us reach our full potential, the income to support a family, and access to healthcare.
It is not enough to feed a hungry family or protect a child from violence; we need to change the conditions that led to hunger and violence in the first place.
We work together with businesses, government, schools, faith groups, the media, individual community members, and nonprofits – because it takes the whole community to get the kind of results we need. We believe in advancing the common good through a strategic focus on the building blocks of a good life – education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.
It is not enough to feed a hungry family or protect a child from violence; we need to change the conditions that led to hunger and violence in the first place.
We work together with businesses, government, schools, faith groups, the media, individual community members, and nonprofits – because it takes the whole community to get the kind of results we need. We believe in advancing the common good through a strategic focus on the building blocks of a good life – education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.

Chehalem Youth & Family Services is a non-profit organization serving in Yamhill County and statewide since 1970. CYFS provides a variety of services that aid youth and families. CYFS offers cost-effective services with compassion, hope, and encouragement. Its administrative center is located in Newberg, OR.
The Youth Opportunity Program (YOOP) of CYFS, helps teens and young adults overcome barriers in order to successfully enter the workforce. The Supervised Parenting Program provides a way for non-custodial parents to stay connected to their children. Lucky Finds Thrift Store provides retail training opportunities for youth and older adults, community service opportunities, and affordable clothing and household goods. The Family Advocacy Support Team (FAST Program) integrates services across all CYFS programs with other community service providers to assist families in crisis in navigating complex public and private support systems. The Integrated Service Network (ISN) is a partnership providing individualized support plans to adults with intellectual disabilities allowing them to live independently within their communities
The Youth Opportunity Program (YOOP) of CYFS, helps teens and young adults overcome barriers in order to successfully enter the workforce. The Supervised Parenting Program provides a way for non-custodial parents to stay connected to their children. Lucky Finds Thrift Store provides retail training opportunities for youth and older adults, community service opportunities, and affordable clothing and household goods. The Family Advocacy Support Team (FAST Program) integrates services across all CYFS programs with other community service providers to assist families in crisis in navigating complex public and private support systems. The Integrated Service Network (ISN) is a partnership providing individualized support plans to adults with intellectual disabilities allowing them to live independently within their communities

Under WIOA, Willamette Workforce Partnership is charged with the competitive selection of a one-stop operator (OSO). The role of the One Stop Operator in the Mid-Valley is to:
- Provide an objective assessment of service delivery in the centers, applying a customer service assessment from a lean principles/quality assurance viewpoint. Analyze customer service flow and provide feedback to maximize center
- Evaluate the implementation of WorkSource Oregon Standards, adherence to local WorkSource MOUs, and compliance with all local, state and federal policies and
- Develop recommendations for continuous improvement by researching and identifying best practices and tools being use in other One Stop
- Utilize employer, customer and staff feedback to drive continuous
- Create a report which highlights findings and recommendations as set by the local

MV Advancements empowers and supports 300 adults who experience disabilities in Yamhill, Marion, and Polk counties to live, work, and thrive.

The De Muniz Resource Center is a key partner of the Marion County Reentry Initiative. This program is designed for Marion County residents seeking successful transition from incarceration back into the community. Programs rely on “evidence-based practices” to chart progress and eventual success of participants. The DeMuniz Resource Center collaborates with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Parole & Probation and Bridgeway Recovery Services in providing programming for the Jail Reentry Program and the Women’s Alternative Sentencing Program.
The De Muniz Resource Center connects clients to community resources including: employment, education, housing, basic needs, financial literacy, support and advocacy, parenting and cognitive behavioral classes, legal clinic services, substance abuse and mental health treatment, transportation, and many other services. The De Muniz Resource Center serves both community clients as well as inmates in the Marion County Transition Center.
The De Muniz Resource Center connects clients to community resources including: employment, education, housing, basic needs, financial literacy, support and advocacy, parenting and cognitive behavioral classes, legal clinic services, substance abuse and mental health treatment, transportation, and many other services. The De Muniz Resource Center serves both community clients as well as inmates in the Marion County Transition Center.

Integrated Supports for Living, Inc. (IS Living) is a private not for profit organization that provides an array of 24-hour and supported living, employment and social/community inclusion services to under-served elderly adults and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities mostly in and around Salem, Oregon. IS Living’s mission is to create quality opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities to live and work in a way that maximizes autonomy. Our current focus is to offer affordable housing to elderly adults and people with disabilities, and to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attain careers and lives of their choosing. It is our goal to be the medium for which our populations can be viewed and accepted as equals by the communities in which they work and/or reside. It is our belief that a life well lived is desired by everyone. Every life is unique to an individual and the path and characteristics of a rich and meaningful life evolve over an individual’s lifetime. Although every individual defines their own unique path, all people desire nurturing relationships, sense of self-empowerment, contentment, optimal health, personal growth, a fulfilling career, rich experiences, financial stability, spiritual insight, and valued roles within their family, neighborhood, and the wider community
Local Resources for Marion County
Let's Talk About.....
Work Readiness. Do you have a career goal? What starting wage are you looking for? Are your workplace skills in demand?
Education & Training. Learning a new skill may be your next step. Let's talk about how we can make that happen.
Job Search Training. Workshops on resume development, job interviews, soft skills, networking, and best practices for virtual interviews.
Supervised Job Search. We'll work together so you get the career that matches your interests, skills, and financial needs.
Support & Wellness. How are you doing? Looking for work or learning new skills can be stressful. Do you have tools relax and refocus?
Keeping the Job: We want you to be successful and thrive in your new job. Tell us how it's going and we can discuss strategies to stay employed and increase your earnings.
STEP Participant Forms
WorkSource Salem is not open to in-person services,
but can be reached by phone and virtual services.
Mailing address:
605 NE Cottage
Salem, Oregon
97031
(503)378-2056