A wide range of services, supports, and opportunities are provided by Community Rehabilitation. Individuals with a documented disability bring specific skills to be matched with an employer’s needs. The following programs and services help ensure the success of the individual and provide quality candidates for the employer:
- Ticket to Work
- Intake / Recruitment
- Transitional Services
- Placement Services
- Supported Employment
- Employment Enhancement
Ticket to Work
Ticket to Work is a Social Security Administration program for people ages 18-64 who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or both. The goal is to offer job services that will assist eligible SSI/SSDI beneficiaries to enter the workforce and gain more independence.
Download the Ticket to Work brochure.
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Intake / Recruitment
Completing an intake application is the first step in seeking employment services or vocational training from Challenge Unlimited. The application is done as part of an interview for services that focuses on the applicant’s goals for employment and explores the services and opportunities that may be available.
During the application interview, personal and background information are collected and employment goals are outlined. Also at this time, a release for information is completed for the Director of Intake/Recruitment to obtain necessary records or documentation.
After intake application is completed, the application is reviewed by an admissions committee to determine if Challenge Unlimited has services that match the individual’s goals and capabilities. The committee then determines if Challenge Unlimited has the programs and services that would best suit the individual’s needs. Funding for services through the Department of Human Services or private pay is reviewed at this time.
For more information on Intake/Recruitment or to make an appointment to complete an intake application contact Darlene Ladd, Intake Director, at 618-465-0044 ext. 2002 or DLadd@cuinc.org.
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Transition Services
Transition Services provide high school students with disabilities and their parent’s with information on what services and opportunities are available after graduation. This program acts as the link between school programs and adult work service providers.
Partnering with local schools is key to the success of Transition Services. Presentations on services that Challenge Unlimited and Residential Options offer are provided in the classroom to ensure personal attention is given to students and parents.
Along with information on what Challenge Unlimited and Residential Options can offer after high school, information is provided on who to contact and how to get funding through the state for such services.
For more information on Transition Services contact Darlene Ladd, Intake Director, at 618-465-0044 ext. 2002 or DLadd@cuinc.org.
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Placement Services
Placement Services assists job seekers to gain employment in the community within their area of interest. While searching for employment, Placement Services staff provides training and support to locate and secure employment. This service helps give individuals with disabilities the right tools and increased self assurance to secure the job they desire.
When beginning the Placement Services Program, the individual works one-on-one with the Placement Services staff to identify job preferences, barriers, and goals that will help guide staff during job search.
Before and during employment search, many individuals are asked to participate in job club. This is a weekly group participation class that teaches skills about what is needed and expected in the workforce such as: interviewing techniques, resume building, job seeking skills, job retention skills, and positively promoting strengths.
Also during employment search, Placement Services staff provides assistance with finding job openings, completing job applications, setting up interviews, helping communicate during interviews, completing new-hire orientation, job development for the first few weeks, and follow up with the individual receiving services and their employer.
Placement Services staff will assess an individual’s strengths and abilities to provide the best employment match. These assessments help individuals identify areas where their current skills would be strong in a competitive work environment and areas where their current skills need improvement for such an environment.
Following assessment, the individual has a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses within a competitive work environment. Services are provided to assist participants to obtain employment that promotes their strengths and employment goals.
For more information on Placement Services contact Kelly Schillinger, Director of Employment Assessment, at 618-465-0044 ext. 2007 or KSchillinger@cuinc.org, or Darlene Ladd, Intake Director, at 618 465-0044 ext 2002 or DLadd@cuinc.org.
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Supported Employment
The Supported Employment Program assists and supports individuals with job coaches to prepare for competitive employment as well as secure employment in the community within their area of interest. Job coaching is provided at the level and intensity based on the individual’s needs.
Individuals are provided services such as: resume writing, application assistance, job seeking skills, job club classes, job development, and on-the-job training. Placement, job coaching, and follow-along services are provided at the level and intensity needed.Participants in the Supported Employment Program work one-on-one with their designated job coach to identify job preferences, barriers, and vocational goals.
Before and during employment search, participants are asked to attend job club. This is a weekly group participation class that teaches skills about what is needed and expected in the workforce such as: interviewing techniques, resume writing, job seeking skills, job retention skills, and positively promoting strengths.When employment search begins, the individual is responsible to search and apply for jobs until a position is secured. The individual is expected to do as possible on their own to secure employment with support. Once secured, the job coach helps the individual as much or as little is needed for them to successfully maintain employment.
Job coaches are able to give feedback to the individual as they work side-by-side with them, which increases job success and retention. Along with providing employment support, job coaches can help the individual obtain assistance from other community agencies in areas such as: mental health, financial support, and residential options.For more information on Supported Employment contact Dale Sheets, Director of Employment Services, at 618-465-0044 ext. 2001 or DSheets@cuinc.org, or Darlene Ladd, Intake Director, at 618 465-0044 ext 2002 or DLadd@cuinc.org.
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Employment Enhancement
The Employment Enhancement Program is a work-training program for individuals with disabilities that have completed services in the Supported Employment Program or Placement Services Program and are working at a community work site with Challenge Unlimited Inc. This program provides on-the-job vocational training that can enhance an individual’s work skills to a level where they are ready for competitive employment within the community.
Individuals who are at the level of entering into the Employment Enhancement Program are stable at their current position and can benefit from ongoing work training to develop the skills for competitive employment.For more information on Employment Enhancement contact Dale Sheets, Director of Employment Services, at 618-465-0044 ext. 2001 or DSheets@cuinc.org.
