Congratulations to Kristian Stewart (center)of our CES Yakima program, our SA Value Award Recipient for Integrity!

Meet Kristian Stewart! He has worked with SA for over 5 years as an Employment Specialist in Yakima. And he was recently the winner of our SA Value Award for Integrity!

What Kristian enjoys most about working with SA is that he gets to help people find jobs and gain skills toward independence. However big or small, he gets to help his clients conquer those goals.

When you meet someone and they ask, “What do you do?” how do you answer?
“I always keep it short and sweet when talking to someone new about my job. I tell them that I assist individuals with finding employment.”

What does a typical work day look like for you? If there is no typical, describe your most recent work day:
“There is absolutely no typical day in this job – and actually it’s been far too quiet today! I will go and do what is needed of me. I will meet with clients, go network out in the community – with or without my clients – talk to employers, and then document all that has happened throughout the day.”

What do you like most about your job?
“The most gratifying item that comes out of my job, is being able to help someone accomplish a goal that they didn’t think was possible. I get to help people every single day discover themselves and become a member of the community.”

What three words would you use to describe your role?
“Empowering, Independence, and Sufficiency”

What personal quality or skill do you think has helped you most in your job?
“Listening. I have always been a very good, active listener. To be able to truly hear what is coming from someone, to know what they are wanting for themselves, you must listen to more than just their voice, but how they approach you, and how they interact with you. It’s important to listen to someone with more than just your ears.”

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?
“Listen to what your clients are telling you and learn their skills. Listen to them even when they are not telling you directly. Read between the lines. Get to know them, then help them.”

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