Meet Joie Chapman-Oswood. Joie is a new Program Manager who just celebrated two years with SA back in July! Before being promoted to Program Manager, she was an Employment Specialist for Community Employment Services in Moses Lake.

What Joie enjoys most about her job is working with the clients. She loves being able to see their faces when completing a goal, getting a job, or simply enjoying life!

When you meet someone and they ask, “What do you do?” how do you answer:
“As a new Program Manager, I tell them that I am a supervisor, and that I help people get jobs, find satisfaction in life, and a place to belong in the community.”

What does a typical work day look like for you? If there is no typical, describe your most recent work day:
“It honestly varies depending on the day! I travel between different programs in Moses Lake, Kennewick, and Yakima, handle paperwork for the counties, and perform quality checks on paperwork. I also act as a “sounding board” for employees to help them in finding the next steps for their clients.”

What do you like most about your job:
“That every day is different! The variety of work is amazing. Being able to interact with different people every day, and not becoming stuck in a routine – it’s the number one reason I love my job!”

What three words would you use to describe your role:
“Teacher, Sounding Board, Structure.”

What personal quality or skill do you think has helped you most in your job:
“Adaptability. Adapting to what I need to be, where I need to be, and what I need to complete each day.”

Given your experience, what would you say to someone who has just started in the field? (and/or) What about someone who is interested in a job like yours?
“I would say it’s hard work. But it’s so beyond rewarding! You’re bringing something new to someone else’s life, and it rewards you in ways that you don’t think it will. You are rewarded with the little things.”

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