Supported employment
Introduction
If you’re looking for a job, you may have come across the term “supported employment.” This is the name of a type of employment program that helps people with disabilities to find work. In this article, we’ll explain what supported employment is and how it can help you get a job.
What is supported employment?
Supported employment is a type of employment that provides services to people with disabilities. This type of work is an alternative to sheltered workshops, where individuals with disabilities are often segregated from the mainstream workforce and not paid for their work. It also offers an alternative to vocational rehabilitation, in which individuals with disabilities may be forced into jobs that don’t fit them just so they can receive benefits.
Supported employment typically involves two or more components: 1) training and support services to help individuals find jobs; 2) job coaching services at the worksite; 3) ongoing supports at the worksite (e.g., organized transportation).
More information on supported employment
Some of the benefits of supported employment include:
- it helps people with disability secure and keep a job
- there is opportunity for progression within the workplace, including professional development
- there is opportunity for career advancement through training and continuing education programs.
However, there are some challenges with supported employment:
- support needs to be provided by an employer who is committed to the model which can be difficult to find; many employers don’t want the responsibility or liability of employing someone with a disability.
Supported Employment Programs (SEPs) are an example of this type of program in practice. SEPs are designed meet the needs of persons with disabilities such as mental illness/addiction issues by providing them with supports (e.g., job coaching) that enable them to secure and keep competitive jobs in their community.
Supported employment services
Supported employment services are designed to help people with disabilities find and keep a job. They also can help people with disabilities find or change jobs.
Supported employment services include:
- Job placement assistance, including job search skills training and post-placement follow-up;
- On-the-job support such as coaching, mentoring, and work adjustment assistance;
- The use of assistive technology in the workplace;
- Adaptations to the workplace (such as modifying equipment or modifying tasks);
- Flexible scheduling options such as part-time hours;
Supported employment providers
If you have a disability and are looking for work, there are many providers of supported employment services in your area who can help. Supported employment services include:
- Job coaching or job training to help you find the right job.
- Assistance with transportation and childcare needs.
- Help with tools, technology, or equipment that will allow you to be successful on the job (for example, if it’s hard for you to use a computer keyboard because of vision problems).
Services may also include money from government sources such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), depending on whether you’re eligible for these benefits.
Takeaway:
Supported employment is a form of employment that provides people with disabilities with competitive employment opportunities in integrated work settings.
In addition to providing a good job, supported employment programs also provide opportunities for people to learn about their strengths, weaknesses and interests; develop their confidence in themselves as workers; improve interpersonal skills; build self-esteem; develop life skills such as banking and budgeting; make friends by working together on projects or teams; practice effective communication skills at work; and gain experience working towards personal goals.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a better idea of what supported employment is and how it can help people with disabilities to find and keep good jobs.