- What are Employment Services?
Balancing an individual’s skills and interests with a good job match can be challenging. For individuals who find traditional methods of searching for a job difficult or ineffective, additional supports may be needed. Utilizing national best practices, the Division of Developmental Disabilities has an array of employment services available to recipients of Medicaid Waiver. These services are designed to support individuals throughout their career pathway. Supports are provided by a network of community providers with trained employment support professionals to assist individuals with competitive integrated employment.
The following are employment services available through Medicaid Waiver:
Career Planning: Assistance identifying an individual’s skills, abilities, and vocational interests that align with the individual’s conditions and preferences.
Benefits Planning: Information and support to help individuals navigate balancing work with maintaining needed government benefits.
Prevocational Services: Soft skills training to assist in achieving employment goals.
Job Development: Support connecting individuals to businesses that match their skills, interests, and needs.
Supported Employment: Services to help an individual maintain a job by providing assistance in learning work related skills and supporting workplace relationships.
- Who can provide Employment Services?
Employment services are provided by a network of community organizations which contract with the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
These organizations are either nationally accredited, licensed or certified by the State of Missouri. These professionals are required to complete 14 hours of training specific to national best practices, receive 6 hours of mentoring in the delivery of services and participate in annual professional development training.
- Where can I find Employment Service providers?
Employment service providers are located throughout the State of Missouri. The document below contains a list of providers, counties they serve, and employment services they provide.
*Benefits Planning providers may be able to virtually support individuals outside of the counties they have listed. If the individual chooses to receive benefits planning virtually, they may be able to receive support from providers listed outside of their county.
For additional information, individuals may contact their Support Coordinator for assistance in exploring provider options. Support Coordinators may contact the Employment First Specialist, sandy.keyser@dmh.mo.gov, for assistance locating available providers.
Employment Service Providers
- How do I request Employment Services?
The Division of Developmental Disabilities prioritizes competitive integrated employment as the first service option and desired primary outcome for individuals. Each individual should be afforded the opportunity to pursue competitive integrated employment in their community. These services are requested through the Person-Centered Planning Process. Support Coordinators are required to address this at least annually but may request this as the need arises.
