i dont know how it works in the USA but can she not get some kind of benefits/support from the government until she finds a job?
if not then you may have to just be tough on her, make it impossible for her NOT to push for a job.
my mum did this with me (i live at home) and she'd spend maybe an hour a night online and print out job vacancy details and she would MAKE me call them, or send a cv. just sit in front of me til i did it. at first it was a battle, but we got into a routine of it and hey presto, i now have a job.
the best of luck
Love,
Moose x