With a background in corporate career coaching and development, Jennifer Johnson has a knack for assisting others with navigating and advancing their careers. Working as an employment consultant at Rise since April 2018, she supports 20 people with disabilities achieve their career goals.

Her Rise team members appreciate her upbeat and positive attitude and dedication to the people she supports.“I didn’t imagine anything like this, but I couldn’t be happier,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer greets each day with an upbeat and positive attitude. She works closely and has built a trusting and respected relationship with the social workers where she receives referrals from, at the Stillwater and the Cottage Grove locations. The people she works with have significant barriers to employment. She takes the time to get to know each person and figure out the best approach to motivate them. Jennifer works with each person at their own pace, so together they can achieve their goals no matter how long it may take.

In her role, Jennifer is traveling the roads of Washington County so frequently she does not have an assigned home office. Instead she meets the people she serves out in the community, at their home, or at their employer.

Jennifer works closely and has built a trusting and respectful relationship with the Washington County social workers from whom she receives referrals. Together they tailor to each individual’s needs and goals, which often include competitive employment. For instance, she is supporting one person as he studies for a CPA exam and another who is transitioning back into the workforce after a lengthy absence.

She has given presentations at Rise’s Job Squad to help other employment consultants be more proficient at their jobs. Jennifer even taught a class at the Workforce Center in Washington County on how to best work with people who have mental health issues.“

I love what we’re doing,” adds Jennifer. “At the end of the day, I know I made a difference. Even if I alleviated symptoms for just 10 minutes, I made a difference.”

Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls (UWRF) and a master’s degree in strategic management from Bethel University.

When asked about her experience with Rise as an employer the past two years, she says she feels recognized and appreciated for what she does and knows that she is supported.

Outside of work, Jennifer teaches a management course at UWRF. She also has two young children who are very involved in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts.