What is the Supported Employment Program?

The Supported Employment Program provides supports for people with disabilities who are unemployed or underemployed with obtaining and maintaining competitive community employment.

Goal of Supported Employment

The goal of SEP is to provide pre-employment training, employer education and on-the-job training and support for as long as the individual requires services to be successful. The ultimate goal is for the individual to be as is independent as possible in a career that matches their interests, hopes and dreams.

Services offered through Supported Employment

• Job Development: pre-employment skills and interest assessments, resume building, social skills training, computer skills training using the Marcfirst computer lab, interviewing skills and transportation training. Job development activities is provided in group settings. Services are provided in a classroom or community setting.
• Job Coaching: on-the-job training and support is provided on site by a certified Direct Support Professional (DSP) for as long as the individual requires to learn their assigned job duties and natural supports are established. Facilitating natural supports is an integral part of the program; reducing or eliminating the need for paid supports.

Contact SEP

Bevin Cowie
Phone: (309) 452-0069   ext. 291

Supported Employment Funding

Clients of Marcfirst SEP are required to have funding from either the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services or the SSA’s Ticket to Work Program. Marcfirst will be begin supporting clients immediately while the application process for these funding sources is completed.

If you are already a registered client of the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), you can request to be referred to Marcfirst through your DRS counselor.

If you are receiving Social Security benefits and want to utilize your “Ticket,” please indicate that on your SEP application. Appropriate paperwork will be completed at the time of your intake.

Clients who are not a client of DRS and who do not have a “Ticket to Work” will automatically be referred to DRS at the time of their Marcfirst intake.

Supported Employment Program Application >

Read about Jon's successful job experience >

 

The goal of SEP is to assist with obtaining and maintaining
competitive community employment