Customized Employment
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Discovery/
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Employment Support |
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Employment Department
I want a job, can you help?
We’ve got a whole department for that! We regularly work with people to find community-based employment. Our process is person-centered, which means that we look for the type of job and work that you want and the working conditions that will help you be most successful. Because there is a lot of demand for employment support, there is a waiting list to work directly with one of our Employment Specialists, but we strive to begin our Discovery process within 30 days of joining the waiting list. After finishing Discovery, you’ll be on standby and our Employment Specialists will be on the lookout for any jobs that seem like they could be a good fit until we’re able to work with you on an individualized job search.
How long does it take to get a job?
Finding the right job can be tricky! We use a Discovery process before we begin actively applying for jobs with you, so that we know more about what you are looking for and what type of environment is going to work the best. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. After that, you’ll be on standby or we begin looking for jobs. Some people find jobs really quickly, for others it takes longer. We encourage our participants to be patient and to communicate with us if they have concerns or ideas. We believe it's better to wait for the right job than to start something that you won’t like.
I already have a job, but would like to try something new, can you help with that?
Yes! We understand that even if you like your job it can get boring after a while. Everyone should have the chance to build their skills and their careers. We are happy to work with people looking for a new job, but we do ask that you maintain a good work performance before and during that process. Having a good relationship with your current employer will help your chances of getting a good reference. Sometimes we may encourage new participants to do some volunteering to build their resumes and positive references. Talk with our Employment Staff if you have any questions.
We’ve got a whole department for that! We regularly work with people to find community-based employment. Our process is person-centered, which means that we look for the type of job and work that you want and the working conditions that will help you be most successful. Because there is a lot of demand for employment support, there is a waiting list to work directly with one of our Employment Specialists, but we strive to begin our Discovery process within 30 days of joining the waiting list. After finishing Discovery, you’ll be on standby and our Employment Specialists will be on the lookout for any jobs that seem like they could be a good fit until we’re able to work with you on an individualized job search.
How long does it take to get a job?
Finding the right job can be tricky! We use a Discovery process before we begin actively applying for jobs with you, so that we know more about what you are looking for and what type of environment is going to work the best. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. After that, you’ll be on standby or we begin looking for jobs. Some people find jobs really quickly, for others it takes longer. We encourage our participants to be patient and to communicate with us if they have concerns or ideas. We believe it's better to wait for the right job than to start something that you won’t like.
I already have a job, but would like to try something new, can you help with that?
Yes! We understand that even if you like your job it can get boring after a while. Everyone should have the chance to build their skills and their careers. We are happy to work with people looking for a new job, but we do ask that you maintain a good work performance before and during that process. Having a good relationship with your current employer will help your chances of getting a good reference. Sometimes we may encourage new participants to do some volunteering to build their resumes and positive references. Talk with our Employment Staff if you have any questions.
How do our Employment Services work?
The graphic below presents a basic snapshot of how someone could theoretically flow through services from our Employment Department. The reality is that everyone is different and will not see these exact results in the timeline presented.
Some, but not all, of our employment services require membership.
For more information on these services, please contact: 217-621-1090
For more information on these services, please contact: 217-621-1090
Want to work but concerned about losing SSI benefits?
This calculator below will help you estimate your monthly income (before taxes) while working and receiving SSI. It is important to note that you will make more money working, even when your SSI payments decrease, as a result of earned income.
SSI Benefits Calculator
SSI Benefits Calculator