Employment Definitions

  • Benefits Counseling – If an individual receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and wants to work (or are already working), a Certified Benefits Counselor can provide accurate and timely information about the impact of earnings on SSI, SSDI, and other healthcare benefits. The Benefits Counselor will also help the individual use important work incentives that allow him/her to keep cash and healthcare benefits. Available under Discovery and Career Planning in the Medicaid I/DD Waiver. Find a Benefits Counselor
  • Competitive Integrated Employment – full or part-time work, at a location where the employee with I/DD interacts with employees without disabilities, are paid at or above the state’s minimum wage and has access to the same opportunities for benefits and advancements provided to nondisabled workers.
  • Customized Employment- begins with a process of Discovery and is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the person with a disability, and is also designed to meet the specific needs of the employer.
  • Discovery and Career Planning– an evidence-based alternative to comparative, standardized assessments, and evaluations. Discovery is a person-centered planning process that involves getting to know a person before supporting them in developing a plan for employment. Available in the Medicaid I/DD Waiver.
  • Employment First – employment in the general workforce should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities receiving assistance from publicly funded systems.  Equal jobs for equal pay.
  • Individual Employment Supports:
    • Job Development– working with a participant and employers to develop a job opening based on the participant’s skills and interests and the employers’ needs. This includes setting up a job interview for the participant with one or more employers. Available in the Medicaid I/DD Waiver.
    • Job Coaching– on the job training by an approved specialist who will break down each task of the job to help the participant (employee) learn to perform the tasks. This includes supporting the employee to be accepted as an employee at the job site.  Available in the Medicaid I/DD Waiver.
  • Marketable Skill – job skills that employers are looking to pay someone to do.  For example, typing, answering a multi-line phone system, cooking, sweeping, operating equipment, and many others.
  • Personal Attributes – something that makes an individual a good worker or co-worker.  For example, always being on time, courteous to others, well organized, etc.
  • Preferred Tasks – tasks that an individual enjoys doing that a business may be willing to pay for.  For example, feeding pets, washing the car, sweeping the floor, etc.
  • Social Valued Role– an individual’s role in the community that society views as a positive role, a contributor to society rather than a burden.  For example, an employee, a co-worker, a sports fan, a friend, etc.
  • Workplace Conditions – the type of environment an individual likes working in.  For example, indoors or outside, with a lot of people or with few people around, quiet or some noise in the background, etc.