Employment Services at El Valor helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find and keep meaningful work. For participants whose goal is employment, we provide individualized job training, placement support, and ongoing coaching to help them succeed.
Not every participant at El Valor is looking for a job, and that is okay. But for those who are, our employment team works closely with each person to understand their strengths, interests, and goals.
Before entering the workforce, participants work on the skills they will need to succeed. That might include learning to follow a schedule, communicate with coworkers, handle tasks independently, or manage workplace expectations. Training is practical, hands-on, and tailored to the individual.
Our team helps match participants with job opportunities that align with their abilities and interests. We work with employers in the Chicago area who understand our participants and value what they bring to the workplace.
Getting a job is one thing. Keeping it is another. Our employment team provides ongoing coaching and support to help participants succeed over the long term. If challenges come up, we are there to help work through them.
Part of a Bigger Picture
Employment services do not exist in a vacuum. For many participants, a job is one piece of a larger plan that might also include community day services, behavioral health support, or residential living. Everything works together through the individualized service plan.
One of the ways we prepare participants for the workplace is through real-world experience. Our groups regularly volunteer with local companies and organizations, giving participants a chance to practice workplace skills, build confidence, and connect with their community in a professional setting. These experiences help bridge the gap between training and employment.
El Valor offers individualized employment services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago. Our team provides job readiness training, placement support, and long-term coaching. Contact us to learn more about eligibility and enrollment.
No. Employment is just one of many goals a participant may have. If your family member is not interested in working right now, they can still benefit from community day services, residential living, or other programs. The plan is always based on the individual.
Job placements vary based on each person’s skills and interests. Our team works with local employers in the Chicago area to find positions that are a good match. We provide ongoing support to both the participant and the employer.
Employment services are funded through a variety of programs. There is no direct cost to participants who have been approved for waiver services through the State of Illinois.
