Individualized Employment Services

At ABC, we have a team of experienced staff members who help individuals find competitive employment opportunities.   

This program is for people who have developed work skills and are ready to work independently in the community. Someone utilizing this service would only need support from a staff person intermittently after initial training period. 

This program provides disabled people extra support in navigating employment. 

Examples of support areas in our Individualized Employment Services program could include:

  • Career Exploration & Planning

  • Resume, Cover Letter & Application Support

  • Interview Preparation

  • Job Placement

  • Job Coaching

  • Ongoing Employment Support

  • Building Customer Service & Social Skills

  • Strengthening Self-Advocacy in the Workplace

  • Training on Workplace Technology

To learn more about Individualized Employment Services in Rochester contact:

Anna Cronin Independent Community Services Program Manager 507-535-7135 annac@abcinc.org

To learn more about Individualized Employment Services in Houston County contact:

Judy Johnson Houston County Program Director 507-450-4000 judyj@abcinc.org

FAQ

  • ABC is able to accept funding from Vocational Rehabilitation and requires a referral for this service. Please start the referral process by contacting Vocational Rehabilitation here.  

  • Yes! ABC’s team of job coaches and employment coordinators can assist you in learning job tasks, navigating relationships with supervisors and co-workers, and more! ABC can provide these services during your first 90 days of employment and beyond if you choose long-term supports.

  • ABC can provide bus training to help you navigate the community independently, if appropriate.

  • ABC can provide a wide variety of career exploration experiences to help you determine what type of work would be best for you. ABC can help you communicate the skills you have to employer. ABC can offer job tryouts and work experiences to allow you to build skills. We can help you build confidence in your work ability.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services is the funding source for these services. Vocational Rehabilitation funds this service through a plan to help you succeed. Vocational Rehabilitation shares more about their counseling and plans here

  • A referral from your waiver case manager or from a vocational rehabilitation counselor would secure funding for our services.  

  • ABC accepts referrals for job coaching based on staff availability. We typically offer approximately 20 hours of job coaching at the beginning of someone’s employment with a reduction in support as natural support and job competency is achieved.  

  • Competitive Employment is employment that is full or part time, paid above minimum wage, eligible for benefits, at a location where a person interacts with co-workers without disabilities, and has opportunities for advancement.  

  • ABC is a well known and respected agency in the community. Our Employment Coordinators have a combined 20+ years of experience in securing and stabilizing competitive employment. ABC has a team of experienced job coaches to support you in your new position with the ability to assign a coach based on your preferences, skills, and learning style. Lastly, ABC offers support through out your career. You can start with ABC for employment exploration, work with us for the job search, and continue to with our long-term supports throughout your employment.  

  • State of Minnesota Disability hub provides MyVault to help evaluate how working would affect benefits: https://disabilityhubmn.org/hub-tools/online-resources/my-vault/