Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get started?
A: An intake session with the Illinois Department Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the first step. There you will meet with a counselor who will refer you to Cornerstone Services, Inc. Upon a referral from DRS, an intake meeting will be set up with Cornerstone Services, Inc., either at the Joliet office or the place of your choosing. Through your service, your DRS counselor will work in a team effort with your Cornerstone Career Counselor to assure you are receiving only the highest quality of services.
Q: Who will work with me?
A: Your primary contact at Cornerstone will be your Career Counselor. Career Counselors typically work with consumers by geographic area, so that we may be as accessible as possible. On an as-needed basis, you may work with other Cornerstone professionals such as Social Services Manager, Job Developers, and Employer Consultants (job coaches).
Q: What is an assessment?
A: An assessment can also be referred to as a “job tryout”. Consumers can test their abilities to complete certain jobs of their interest, or they may simply observe the job being completed in it’s typical occupational setting. The length and intensity of assessments can vary from a few hours to a couple of days. Cornerstone Services has almost 200 sites in a wide range of professions to perform assessments in.
Q: Do I have to work full-time?
A: Absolutely not. The Career Solutions staff assists individuals in finding positions that meet their needs: from full-time with benefits to a few hours per week.
Q: Do I have to find work in the Joliet/Will County Area?
A: No. Cornerstone helps consumers find positions in a wide geographical area, including: Bolingbrook, Naperville, Chicago Heights, Plainfield, Wilmington, Kankakee, Dwight, Coal City, and many other locations. While we do base our services at our Joliet office, we do have some regional flexibility when helping individuals achieve employment in surrounding communities.
Q: How will I get to work?
A: If transportation is an issue, Cornerstone staff are ready to assist you in finding public transportation alternatives and private sources to get you to your place of employment.
Q: Will I get support once I’ve found a job?
A: Yes. Cornerstone provides job-retention services as intensive and for as long as is required. We have specially trained Employer Consultants (job coaches) that are prepared to assist you on or off the job site to make sure you are able to do your best!
Q: How many people have you helped in the past?
A: Cornerstone Services, Inc. has been in existence since 1969. We have a rather good track record when it comes to helping people find and keep a job and have helped hundreds of individuals find jobs over the years.
If you would like to get a head start on your future, call Cornerstone Services, Inc. Career Solutions Staff today at (815) 727-6694! We will be happy to answer any other questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you!