Home : Services & Programs : Services for the Seriously Mentally Ill : Supported Employment

About EOU

Employment Opportunities Unlimited (EOU) is a supported employment program that works with employers in the community to develop work opportunities for individuals with mental health issues who have been out of the work force for an extended period of time.

Employment specialists help clients find the right job and provide ongoing support. Applicants are pre-screened and referred to employers based on their qualifications for specific positions. Job coaching and follow-along support are provided to assist clients in learning and maintaining their jobs. These services are provided at no cost to the employer.

Program goals

Supported employment helps clients:

• improve future employment opportunities and financial resources;
• share their skills with others;
• build confidence, self-esteem, cooperation and communication skills;
• establish friendships;
• fulfill a dream;
• increase independence.

Criteria for admission

EOU is appropriate for adults who:

• are 18 years or older;
• reside in Elkhart County;
• have a serious and persistent mental illness as defined by the DSM-IV for 12 months or longer;
• have an I.Q. of 75 or higher.

Benefits to employers

EOU helps employers by providing:

• access to dependable workers;
• on-the-job training for employees with an Employment Specialist;
• follow-along and on-going support services for employees;
• job and task analysis;
• opportunity to build a diverse work force;
• free consultation regarding worksite accommodation and job retention;
• advocacy for the employer;
• assistance in meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Referrals

To make a referral to EOU, contact the Community Support Program director at (574) 533-1234, ext. 353.

Employment Opportunities Unlimited is funded by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services