Supported Employment Services
Description
We walk together with you and your loved one along the path to meaningful employment. Our job coaches are your loved one’s biggest supporters in achieving successful employment. Through our supported employment services, we offer one-on-one training, assist with learning job expectations, and ensure a smooth transition into the workplace.
Our team helps address challenges like transportation or job site modifications, advocating for solutions that set your loved one up for continued success, in a job that suits their strengths. We also provide long-term support for those requiring additional intervention.
Our supported employment opportunities for developmentally disabled job candidates enable them to develop relationships with co-workers, create a support network and shape their careers. Our goal? Confidence and independence in a fulfilling career for your loved one.
Program Goal and Highlights
Our Employment Services team at UCP Heartland provides employment assistance to help obtain and maintain competitive employment for teens and adults of differing abilities.
At UCP Heartland, it is our priority to go above and beyond to ensure quality, tailored employment opportunities for developmentally disabled teens and adults throughout our community. We walk every client through the steps they need to take to find the job that’s right for them.
Some highlights of our services include:
Prevocational Training (PreVoc)
Program participants work to develop an individualized plan to help them achieve vocational goals that reflect their expressed interests and desires. The program offers learning opportunities in problem-solving, task completion, interpersonal relations, safety and other life skills.
Discovery/Exploration Through Worksite Assessments
We use Community Based Assessments to help discover your each person’s strengths, interests, and readiness for work. This process gives valuable insight into what type of job is the best fit, paving the way for meaningful, successful employment.
This process includes:
- Hands on work trials
- Job shadowing
- Skills assessment
- Discovery of possible accommodations
- Discovery of learning styles
- Discovery of supports needs
- Labor market research
- Career planning
- Benefits planning
- Transportation is included
Worksite Job Coaching Supports
Our UCP Heartland Employment Support staff (aka Job Coaches) walk alongside each client as they get acclimated to their new position.
Coaching Supports include:
- Short-term one-on-one supports on the job.
- Assistance with job training and understanding rules and expectations.
- Assistance in learning public transportation.
- Help with job accommodations.
How to Get Started
We work with people of all ages and abilities. Our primary referral source for services is the Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) with additional referrals received from the Department of Mental Health (DMH). The program supports anyone who has been determined eligible for services from our funding partners, which may mean the person does not have a developmental disability. The Department’s current service areas are St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County in Eastern Missouri, and Cole County, Osage County, Moniteau County, Boone County, and Calloway County in Central Missouri.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our supported employment opportunities for developmentally disabled teens and adults and how we can help your loved one.
Supported Employment Long-Term Follow Along
Supported Employment/Follow Along is a service that provides continued support and training in an integrated work setting for participants who have completed the Supported Employment Program through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and require additional intervention.