Job Seekers

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We know that finding and maintaining a job while also navigating life and the challenges that come with a disability can be difficult.

Job seekers desire independence and self-sufficiency but often lack the necessary support and resources to develop and start their ideal career.

At Helping Hand, we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you transform their lives by identifying, interviewing for, and finding their dream job.

Imagine waking up each day, excited to be equally valued in your workplace, earning a paycheck, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Complete the intake form below or call now to speak with a knowledgeable employment team member and start your journey to employment today!

Employment Services Intake Process

After completing the Initial Screening Form below, an Employment Services Team Member will contact you to schedule an intake appointment and will send you a link to complete an Intake Assessment.

During your intake appointment, the Employment Services Team member will review your Intake Assessment with you and determine eligibility for services. If appropriate, we recommend that a parent or advocate participate in the intake process so that the Employment Services Team Member can best understand your career needs and goals.

If you are deemed eligible for services, the Employment Services Team Member will create a Job Plan for you and discuss next steps such as funding, client responsibilities, referrals for additional services, and weekly Job Club meetings.

Job Club Meetings typically range from 30-60 minutes, 1-2x/week depending on the unique needs of each client.

Employment Services Timeline

1

Intake

Initial Screening
Schedule & complete intake
Client is presented with the option to enroll in a private pay option

2

Client Notice

Client is informed if employment services are suitable for them.
If not accepted,
recommendations for alternative services are provided.

3

DRS Notice

DRS has 30 days from the client’s referral to schedule
an intake.
DRS has 60 days from the client’s intake to complete the notice of services

4

Job Development

Job Planning
Resume Building
Interview Skills
Applications
Scheduled meetings oceur every 8 weeks with DRS

5

Employment

Securing successful employment
Job coaching
15,45, and 90-day meetings (Milestone)
Scheduled meetings occur every 8 weeks (SEP)

6

Drs Closure

DRS will close the client’s case after the
90-day milestone OR
completion of all 8 SEP phases
Job coaching will continue for an additional 3 months-after DRS closure

7

HH Closure

Meeting is scheduled with Helping Hand to discuss the steps for case closure
Client is presented with the option to enroll in a private pay program

Supported employment interventions, which typically include job coaching, have been shown to more than double employment rates in some programs — for example, increasing employment from 22% to 56%.

A large vocational rehabilitation study found that individuals with IDD who received three job-related services—such as job search, placement, and on-the-job supports—were 16 times more likely to obtain employment than those who did not.

Job coaching isn’t just about getting a job — it also helps people keep jobs: studies have found that individuals supported by job coaches are more likely to sustain employment over time compared to those without coaching.

Project SEARCH

An Employment Training Program for High School-Aged Job Seekers

Project SEARCH is a unique one-year school-to-work training program for a select group of students who have a qualifying disability between the ages of 18-22 with the end goal of employment in the community. Students are immersed in a host business and get more than 700 hours of hands-on work experience in various work settings. They learn employability skills and plan their careers with guidance from trained employment staff. With the combination of classroom curriculum and three, 10-week long internships, students gain real world work experience and increase their readiness for competitive community employment.

Through our partnership with LADSE (LaGrange Area Department of Special Education), DRS (Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services), WIOA (the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) and Project SEARCH, Helping Hand oversees the job development process of the program as well as providing the continued support after completion of the program for up to one year. Once students are hired, Helping Hand is the primary liaison between the employee and employer. Helping Hand is committed to ensuring our interns are equally valued in their jobs.

What our clients and families are saying …

We spent years trying to find the help my son needs, and many times were left feeling alone and unsure of where to turn. I discovered that Helping Hand offers an employment services program which trains people with interviewing skills, job coaching, resume building, job placement, and so much more. Billy worked with a job coach who helped him feel he is important and showed him his many strengths and all he has to offer. He was able to find a job that he loves and has gained so much confidence. Seeing him be successful, be more comfortable in his own skin, and happier not only changed his life, but mine too as his parent. I cannot say enough about how Helping Hand transformed my son’s life. He has become stronger, more confident, and feels valued as an important part of our world and society.”

Leslie, parent of Billy, employee at Pet Supplies Plus

Employment Services Initial Screening

Fill out the form below or download a PDF to fill out and submit at a later time.

First Name

Last Name

Address

City

Zip code

Client Email

Client Phone (cell)

Guardian/Parent Email

Guardian/Parent Phone (cell)

Does the client have a current case open with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)?

Yes No

Does the client have documentation of disability?

Yes No

If there is a documented disability, please describe primary and secondary disabilities.

SMS Consent

By checking this box, I consent to receive text messages from Helping Hand related to (conversational purposes, appointment reminders, follow-up on cases, etc.) You may reply STOP to opt-out at any time. For assistance reply HELP. Messages and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. Learn more on our Privacy Policy and SMS Terms and Conditions.