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:

• 16 years of age or older
• Documented disability
• Desire to gain or explore employment
• Reside in St. Charles, Lincoln, or St. Louis County in Missouri or Madison, Monroe, or St. Clair County in Illinois
• 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

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.