to Overcome!
Supported Employment Program
The Goal
Goodwill’s Supported Employment Programs (SEP) help adults to obtain and retain employment through the use of effective ongoing support services. The Supported Employment Program gives adults with disabilities the opportunity to work and earn valuable skills and wages. Work is performed in Goodwill’s retail stores throughout the region with a Goodwill job coach. Additional elements provided to all participants are work readiness training, case management, and a supportive work atmosphere.
Course Description
In the DRS-funded program, participants receive vocational janitorial training, job development, and employment in a supported work environment with the main goal of transitioning into integrated community employment and working successfully on their own. Work readiness skills and job development are two major components that each participant will receive. There is no fee for individuals to enter this program.
Course Components
Work Readiness Skills Attainment
This program is designed to prepare participants for community employment. On the job training, communications skills, working within a team, time management skills, work culture, attendance, hygiene, work appropriate attire, and problem solving skills are skills that are being observed and measured for proficiency. Evidence: Work Readiness Assessment –completed within the first 2 weeks of start date and again at 6 months to assess skill level
Job Development Activities
This program emphasizes on teaching participants job seeking skills through weekly 1:1 job development activities. Some job activities that are addressed are; creating a resume, preparing work documents such as an ID card, filling out job applications, interest inventories, and performing mock interviews. Evidence: Documented weekly case notes, mock interview forms, paper and electronic copy of Resume, completed job applications
Supported Employment Supports
This program offers many supports and services to its participants. Some include; job coaching, job creation, job accommodations, building in natural supports, mentoring, and job site analysis. Once transited to a community job, on-going supports and on site job coaching are two key elements to a participant’s success. Evidence: Policy and Procedure manual, documented weekly case notes, on site job coaching
Employment Forms and New Hire Paperwork
This program is an employment program and participants learn to fill out and familiarize themselves with new hire paperwork such as the I-9 and W-4 forms during the Intake Meeting before participants start in the program. Evidence: Completion of W-4 form and I-9 form
Goodwill is a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities ) accredited agency, which means that Goodwill meets rigorous, independently evaluated and internationally accepted standards for effective, person centered services.
DRS Supported Employment Scope of Services
Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program (SEP) is a supported work program operated by Goodwill Industries. Supported Employment is a service designed to assist adults with disabilities to obtain and retain employment through the use of effective ongoing support services.
There is no fee for individuals to enter into the program. The funding for this program is from the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Blazer Foundation.
In this program, participants meet weekly with their Employment Specialist to receive job development services such as interview preparation, resume assistance, and referrals to community resources.
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois works with individuals and help them reach their goals collaboratively.
The program is at Goodwill’s Freeport and Sterling retail store locations.
Scope of Services
Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program (SEP) is a supported work program operated by Goodwill Industries. Supported Employment is a service designed to assist adults with disabilities to obtain and retain employment using effective ongoing support services.
Population Served
Supported Employment is a service designed to assist adults with disabilities to obtain and retain employment using effective ongoing support services.
Days/Hours of Service
Hours and days may vary by participant; however, program operation is typically Monday-Friday between 8am-4:30pm
Frequency
Job Development starts at the beginning of services and each participant will receive 30 minutes to one hour at minimum one-on-one job development time each week with the Employment Specialist.
Payers & Funding Sources
The funding for this program is from the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS-VR).
Fees
There is no fee for referred individuals to enter into the program.
Settings
Participants will receive weekly job development services generally at a Goodwill store. On occasion, participants may meet their Employment Specialist at a local organization such as a library, local workforce development office, or local job fair.
Referral Sources
Goodwill has a contract with the State of Illinois and the Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS-VR) for referrals into the program.
Specific Services
In this program, Goodwill provides services directly to participants including job development, interview preparation, resume assistance, job coaching, and referrals to community resources.
No Medication Policy
Goodwill Staff may not give any medication to participants under any circumstances. Staff may not store medication, give medication reminders, or monitor medication in any way. This includes prescription medications and over-the-counter medications.
Expected Outcomes
75% of placed participants maintain employment for 120 days, 80% of customers are on the waiting list no longer than 60 days, 80% of participants surveyed report being satisfied with their job development services.
This Supported Employment Program operates in the following locations: (Hours and days may vary by participant). Please see the Employment Specialist or District Lead for hours of operation:
Sterling
2216 East 4th Street
Sterling, IL 61081
Phone Number: (815) 693-1670
Hours of Service: M-F / 8:00am to 5:00pm
Freeport
2030 W. Galena Street
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone Number: (815) 616-5603
Hours of Service: M-F / 8:00am to 5:00pm
Interested in more information?
Email programs@goodwillni.org or call (815) 965-3795.
Are you a young adult transitioning out of high school and looking for resources for your next step? Check out the transition resource guide put together by the Transition Planning Committee of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle counties here: TRANSITION RESOURCE GUIDE
Goodwill is part of the Transition Planning Committee in our communities. Please see the Boone/Winnebago/Ogle County Transition webpage for information on services available for young adults transitioning from high school to their next step. www.transitionwbo.org