Community Employment

Building Careers. Strengthening Workplaces. Empowering Communities.

At MSDC, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work - and every business deserves the benefits that come from inclusion. Our Community Employment Services connect adults with developmental disabilities to meaningful, competitive jobs that match their skills and interests - while helping employers build loyal, productive, and diverse teams.

Our Approach

We combine proven employment strategies with community collaboration to create success for both employees and employers.

  • High Expectations: Everyone can work when the right supports are in place.

  • Person-Centered Planning: We match job opportunities to each person’s skills, interests, and strengths.

  • Employer Partnerships: We work directly with businesses to ensure a great fit and long-term success.

  • Ongoing Support: Our job coaches provide continuous training, communication, and workplace support - at no cost to the employer.

  • Community Integration: We collaborate with housing, transportation, and healthcare providers to remove barriers to work.

  • Work Incentive Planning: We guide participants and families through how employment interacts with benefits.

  • Why Partner With MSDC

    Hiring people with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s good business. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Forbes, and Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Report, companies that embrace disability inclusion experience:

    1.6× more revenue

    2.6× more net income

    2× higher profit margins

    25% more productivity

    90% higher retention among employees

    Lower turnover costs - replacing one employee can cost 50–200% of their salary.

    Accommodations are typically low-cost or no cost (average cost: $300) and lead to stronger teams, better morale, and a positive reputation in the community.

    Partner with MSDC Employment Services
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  • Our Services

    We support individuals and employers through every step of the employment process:

    Career exploration

    Skill assessments

    Resume building

    Interview preparation

    Job placement

    Onboarding support

    On-the-job coaching and retention services

    Long-term follow-up and workplace consultation

    Work incentive and benefits planning

    Get Started With Community Employment
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Legal Foundations for Inclusive Employment

MSDC Employment Services align with national policies promoting workforce inclusion:

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Employer Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Anyone who wants to work can explore MSDC’s employment programs — whether they’re new to the workforce, returning after time away, or looking for a better job match. Our services support adults with developmental disabilities in finding meaningful, competitive employment in the community.

  • There is no time limit.
    Support continues as long as it’s needed to help someone succeed on the job. Our team works alongside each participant and employer to ensure long-term success, stability, and growth.

  • Not necessarily.
    Our Employment Consultants provide tools and coaching to help you understand how wages impact benefits like SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid — and how to maximize available work incentives that help people earn income safely.

  • We focus on competitive, integrated employment based on each person’s strengths, interests, and abilities. Jobs may be:

    • Retail

    • Food service

    • Manufacturing

    • Office/clerical

    • Hospitality

    • Custodial or maintenance

    • Customized roles built around someone’s talents

    We also help employers carve or customize job duties when appropriate.

  • Yes!
    We partner with businesses across Marshall and Starke counties to create inclusive workplaces. Companies that hire people with disabilities often experience:

    • 1.6× more revenue

    • 2.6× more net income

    • Double the profit

    • 25% higher productivity

  • We provide:

    • On-the-job coaching

    • Skill-building

    • Problem-solving support

    • Employer collaboration

    • Long-term follow-up

    We fade support gradually as participants gain independence — but remain available whenever needed.

  • Sometimes, but most accommodations are simple, inexpensive, or free.
    Almost half of accommodations cost nothing, and the rest average about $300.

    We guide employers through the process to make it easy.

  • No.
    We help people explore full-time, part-time, seasonal, and customized roles — whatever best fits their goals and abilities.

  • We provide:

    • Pre-screened candidates

    • Job matching

    • Onboarding assistance

    • On-site coaching

    • Help improving retention

    • Long-term support for the employer and the employee

    Our goal is to help employers build loyal, productive teams with reduced turnover.

  • Contact our Employment Services team to learn more, schedule a meeting, or make a referral.

Let’s Build Your Future - Together.

Whether you're looking for meaningful work or hoping to hire dedicated talent, MSDC is ready to support your next step.

Talk With Our Employment Team