What is Competitive Employment?

With competitive employment, the goal is to help individuals secure jobs in integrated community settings, earning at least minimum wage and receiving the same opportunities for advancement and benefits as their non-disabled peers. If you want to work in the community but face challenges due to a disability, we can help. We provide services in St. Charles, Lincoln, and St. Louis Counties in Missouri, and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties in Illinois.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competitive Employment is open to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local law who meet the following qualifications:

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Discovery & Exploration

A great way to begin a career is by exploring interests and gaining exposure to new work environments. We work with individuals to understand their job preferences, support needs, and ideal work environment. Then, we provide a realistic preview of jobs through work trials. Along the way, we collect data that helps us make recommendations and develop a plan to launch each employment journey.

Job Development

Finding a job can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. We provide full-service job search services that are tailored to each client. We help them articulate goals, develop resumes, identify opportunities, submit applications, prepare for interviews, and request accommodations. Let us be your teammate in your job search.

Job Coaching

After a job offer is secured, our team is here to support clients as they learn their duties, develop their own natural on-the-job support systems, and increase their independence. With coaching, our goal is to work ourselves out of a job, but we’ll stay close to layer in support, if needs arise.

Supported Employment Follow Along

We provide on-the-job retention support for as long as needed to ensure each client remains happy and successful at work. This service can support an individual for the life of their job.

Summer Work Experience

This work-based learning program sets high school juniors and seniors up for future success. Through a six-week paid work experience, students get a first-hand look at life on the job while they gain valuable work skills and soft skills from an on-site job coach.

Recent News

5 Misconceptions About Hiring People with Disabilities | BCI Boone Center, Inc.

(April 15, 2025) In today’s diverse workforce, adults with disabilities represent an untapped talent pool...

How to Choose a Vocational Training Program | BCI Boone Center, Inc.

(February 19, 2025) For many individuals with disabilities, vocational training is a pathway to increased...

What to Expect: BCI Competitive Employment Services

by Kenda Curativo, BCI Director of Competitive Employment, Missouri (January 22, 2025) BCI is passionate...

Preston’s Story: Mission Accomplished!

(December 2, 2024) Every parent dreams of seeing their child grow into an adult who...

Announcing Beltservice Corporation Job Training Program

(November 19, 2024) Boone Center, Inc. (BCI)—a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of adults...

BCI Launches New Vocational Training Programs with Emerson, Watlow, and Wentzville School District

(September 12, 2024) BCI is thrilled to announce our partnership with Emerson, Watlow Electric Manufacturing...

All Competitive Employment News

Further OPPORTUNITIES

BCI offers a continuum of employment opportunities. For those who want a more direct path to competitive employment, the Skills Center may be a good choice. We are dedicated to finding the right career path for each individual we serve.

 

testimonials

We feel the fit for our son is spot on. He really enjoys his job. Having a company that helps young adults transition into the “real” world is wonderful. We are so happy to have gotten the opportunity for Jason to be part of the BCI program.

Amy and Jim O. / Jason's Parents

I just wanted to formally announce that our first two BCI employees have officially been employed with StoneBridge Maryland Heights for SIX MONTHS!  Both Tamiah (housekeeping) and Sarah (Dietary) were hired in January. They are exceptional employees and we are lucky to have them be part of our family. We appreciate them and look forward to a long relationship. To the BCI staff, thank you for the opportunity to work with you. We look forward to hiring more of your clients.

Tayon Henderson / Manager of Human Resources - StoneBridge Senior Living

World Wide Technology greatly values our partnership with BCI, which has grown far beyond financial support and employee engagement in special events. We are now proud to be an employment partner, aligned with BCI’s mission. This collaboration perfectly complements our own values, helping us find hardworking, passionate individuals with a team-player mindset and a positive attitude—people who help advance our culture every day.

George Schoedinger / VP, Logistics Operations - world wide technology, edwardsville

BCI has been accredited by CARF for its Community Employment Program.