Services for Job Seekers
Work is a central part of adult life. People often identify themselves by the work that they do. A job can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride, and have an enormous effect on our overall life satisfaction.
Start Your Employment Journey with PAEP Support
Work is an important part of adult life. Meaningful employment provides more than a paycheck—it can build confidence, independence, new skills, social connections, and a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Finding the right job is not always easy. Every person has different strengths, interests, abilities, and support needs, which is why PAEP believes employment services should be individualized.
Our experienced team works alongside individuals with disabilities to identify employment goals, explore career interests, develop workplace skills, and connect with employers in the community. From preparing for the job search and practicing interviews to finding the right employment opportunity and providing support on the job, PAEP is there throughout the employment journey.
Our goal is not simply to help someone find a job—it is to help each individual find an opportunity where they can contribute their talents, build greater independence, and experience long-term success.
Ready to Get Started?
PAEP employment services can be accessed through DRS-funded services or Fee-for-Service. Explore the options below to determine the best way to begin your employment journey with PAEP.
Option 1: DRS-Funded Services
Individuals who are eligible for services through the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) may receive PAEP employment services through DRS funding.
How to Get Started
Complete the online Rehabilitation Services Web Referral to refer yourself or someone else for services.
Option 2: Fee-for-Service
Individuals and families can access individualized PAEP employment services privately without going through DRS funding.
How to Get Started
Complete our Fee-for-Service Application. Our team will review your information and contact you to discuss your goals, service options, availability, pricing, and next steps.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
We’re here to help! Contact PAEP at 630-440-2283, and our team can help you determine the best way to get started.
Overview of Services
Professional Employment Specialists work one-on-one with qualified individuals with disabilities to provide an array of supported employment programs and services including:
Career Consulting
PAEP will engage participants to identify and determine the employment skills, interests to develop short-term career goals, and interests to develop long-term career goal.
Job Training
Development and preparation services are individualized services that assist individuals with disabilities seeking employment to develop skills, attitudes, interpersonal skills, work behaviors, and functional capacities to achieve identified employment goals.
Job Development & Placement
PAEP staff use assessment information about each participant seeking employment to target the types of jobs available from potential employers in the local labor market. Job development activities include contacting employers and building networks to develop and identify job opportunities, completing work site analysis, negotiating job carving or other job accommodations, and assisting the individual in finding jobs and employers well-matched to their employment goals.
Job Coaching & Support Services
Once an individual is placed into employment, PAEP provides job training and coaching services to ensure long-term success on the job. Job site training services include assisting the individual with performance on the new job task and helping them understand job culture and industry practices, and work behaviors expected by the employer.
Helping Individuals with Disabilities Achieve Independence One Job at a Time
Eligibility for Services
Parents Alliance Employment Project serves individuals residing in DuPage County and other surrounding counties including Cook, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and WIll County who have a documented disability that may include developmental, cognitive, mental and physical disabilities and are:
- 18 years of age or older
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States
- Possess a state-issued identification card, or driver’s license, and a social security card.
- Motivated to work and meet employer expectations
- Have enough independent functioning to not need indefinite one-on-one staff assistance, unless able to hire a personal assistant
- Able to provide transportation or learn public transportation
- Must be enrolled in fee-for-service or connected to a third-party funding sponsor such as the IL Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-DRS)
- It should be noted that there are times when there may be a wait time to be deemed eligible and receive services
Frequently Asked Questions for Job Seeker Services
Q: How much do services cost?
PAEP employment services may be provided at no cost to eligible individuals when services are authorized and funded through the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) or another funding partner.
PAEP also offers a Fee-for-Service option for individuals and families who would like to access services privately. Under Fee-for-Service, the individual or family is responsible for the cost of the services provided.
PAEP receives funding from a variety of sources, including state and county agencies, grants, and local school districts, which helps support employment and training services for individuals with disabilities.
There is never a cost to employers who partner with PAEP.
Q: How long are services provided/How long does a participant remain an “active client” of your agency?
The services provided by PAEP are incredibly individualized and based on each individual’s needs as they relate to employment. Therefore, the length of time may differ for every person. The average time that a person works with PAEP is 10-12 months. This time frame includes all aspects of services from intake appointments to job-readiness training to placement and coaching.
Q: What will an “Employment Specialist” do for me when my case is open?
An Employment Specialist is a trained career counselor who works with people with disabilities to help them gain the employment they are looking for. If the individual is unsure what they are looking for, the Employment Specialist can help them assess their skills and develop possible job industries to explore potential job opportunities. Once the client is positive about what position they are looking for, the Employment Specialist will go out in the community on the client’s behalf and contact employers about job opportunities. When a position is obtained, the Employment Specialist is also the Job Coach on the employment site if the client needs more help in learning the skills necessary skills for the position.
For more information, read our Handbook for Supported Employment Services.