What is Competitive Employment?

Competitive Employment assists individuals with disabilities who want to work out in their community while earning the same opportunities, benefits, and pay as their non-disabled coworkers. We meet each client where they are to provide customized services to support their unique employment goals.

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:

• 16 years of age or older
• Documented disability
• Desire to gain or explore employment
• Reside in St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, or St. Louis County
• Referred by Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, Department of Mental Health, Productive Living Board, Community Opportunities, or another funding source
• Able to be in a community setting without one-on-one supervision
• Able to self-administer medications
• Independent in self-care needs

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

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.

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.

Employment Network / Ticket to Work

We are an approved Employment Network (EN) service provider for Social Security’s Ticket to Work (TTW) program. This program helps people who receive Social Security disability benefits prepare for, find, or maintain employment. Participation in the TTW program is free and voluntary. All people ages 18-64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of a disability may participate in the TTW program.

For more information on EN services from BCI, call 636-875-5253. For more information on the national Ticket to Work program, visit www.ssa.gov/work or call 1-866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

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.

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