Supported Employment

Supported Employment is a unique employment service for individuals with the most significant disabilities who require ongoing support services to succeed in competitive employment.

VR funds Supported Employment in a variety of business environments for anyone requiring intensive employment supports, including initial placement and stabilization in the workplace.

Supported Employment offers continuing assistance from an employment specialist to maintain long-term employment for individuals who have previously been unable to succeed in traditional employment.

Values of Supported Employment

The following are the values that a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor uses when considering an individual for supported employment:

• Inclusion in the community
• Presumption that the individual will be able to work
• Placement in competitive employment
• Individualized plan development
• The support of family members, friends or coworkers

Supported Employment:

• Is work for pay at the same rate as other employees
• Promotes social integration, productivity, and maximum use of a person's skills and abilities
• Takes place in an integrated work setting
• Assists individuals with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illnesses, or other significant disabilities
• Includes job coaching that is often provided by an employment specialist after placement on the job
• Maintains support services to the worker for present and future employment needs
• Builds extended, ongoing supports with agencies and partners outside of VR to assist a person in maintaining employment

Supports may include: arranging transportation, placement, training or retraining the supported worker, developing natural supports and assistive technology, if needed, to perform job duties.