Finding employment services for people with disabilities can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Boone Center, our Competitive Employment program is designed to help individuals with disabilities secure meaningful work in community settings, with the same opportunities for wages, advancement, and dignity as everyone else. Our team knows career success doesn’t come from one-size-fits-all programming, and uses a personalized approach from Day One. We don’t just match a person to a job and leave it there — we partner through every stage of the employment journey.
Our Competitive Employment team starts with a Discovery & Exploration phase to help participants identify their career interests, work style, strengths, and support needs. We use job trials and real‐world exposure to gather data and identify good fit opportunities. From there, our Job Development team helps with resume building, submitting job applications, prepping for interviews, and requesting workplace accommodations. Interested in learning more? Read on to find out why Boone Center is one of the most trusted names in employment services for people with disabilities in the St. Louis region.
How BCI Competitive Employment Services Can Help You:
1. Unmatched Benefits Expertise
One of the biggest concerns for individuals with disabilities (and their families) is understanding how employment will affect public benefits, like Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare. Boone Center addresses this head-on through our Benefits Planning services.
Our Benefits Case Managers are available by appointment to help explain how wages or hours worked may impact benefits, what work incentives are available, and what reporting or documentation is required. This expertise means participants can pursue competitive employment with confidence, understanding how to maintain their safety net while also striving for independence and financial growth.
2. On-the-Job Coaching and Support
Getting a job is only the beginning. Our Job Coaching services help individuals get up to speed in their role, providing mentoring and support that scales back as their independence grows. We further reinforce job retention through Supported Employment Follow Along, a service that helps clients remain successful and happy in their career. This continuity gives both the employee and the employer confidence that issues can be resolved proactively, which ultimately boosts job stability and satisfaction.
3. Experience and Credibility You Can Rely On
Credibility helps make us one of Missouri’s most respected providers of disability employment services. Boone Center’s Competitive Employment program is CARF-accredited in its Community Employment services, which means we meet rigorous standards for quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. CARF accreditation is a helpful signal to funding sources, referral agencies, and partner employers that we deliver reliable, ethical, high-quality services.
And BCI doesn’t just deliver exceptional employment services to help disabled adults work in their communities. We offer a full continuum of services, from organizational employment at BCI Packaging to vocational training at BCI Skills Center, with the goal of finding a fulfilling opportunity suited to the needs and passions of every person we serve.
4. Local Presence Across Missouri and Illinois
We support individuals in multiple counties across Missouri and Illinois: St. Charles, Lincoln, and St. Louis Counties in Missouri, and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Because we work locally, we understand the job market dynamics, employer partners, and community supports in each region. Our local presence also makes meetings, job site visits, and follow-up more convenient and responsive.
5. Building a Future Pathway for High School Students
Boone Center doesn’t just help with “right now” employment. We believe in preparing for longer-term success. Our Summer Work Experience program gives high school juniors and seniors a paid, six-week job opportunity complete with on-site coaching. This helps students try out real work environments, build professional habits, and strengthen resumes. Early exposure helps students make smoother transitions after graduation — reducing uncertainty and building confidence along the way.
BCI Helps Adults With Disabilities Work in the Community
The proof is in the people we serve. If you or someone you know is interested in working in the community and receiving support along the way, Boone Center’s Competitive Employment program offers a path customized to each person’s unique strengths. From discovery through long-term job retention, our team is committed to helping each person build a rewarding work life.
Ready to explore next steps? Contact our Competitive Employment team today, or give them a call during business hours at (636) 978-4300.