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.