What is Supported Employment?
Supported employment facilitates competitive work in integrated work
settings for individuals with the most severe disabilities (i.e. psychiatric,
mental retardation, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury) for whom
competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and who, because of the
nature and severity of their disability, need ongoing support services in order
to perform their job. Supported employment provides assistance such as job
coaches, transportation, assistive technology, specialized job training, and
individually tailored supervision.
Supported employment is a way to move people from dependence on a
service delivery system to independence via competitive employment. Recent
studies indicate that the provision of on-going support services for people
with severe disabilities significantly increases their rates for employment
retention. Supported employment encourages people to work within their
communities and encourages work, social interaction, and integration.
Definitions
A job coach is a person who is hired by the placement
agency to provide specialized on-site training to assist the employee with a
disability in learning and performing the job and adjusting to the work
environment.
Natural supports are support from supervisors and
co-workers, such as mentoring, friendships, socializing at breaks and/or after
work, providing feedback on job performance, or learning a new skill together
at the invitation of a supervisor or co-workers. These natural supports are
particularly effective because they enhance the social integration between the
employee with a disability and his/her co-workers and supervisor. In addition,
natural supports may be more permanent, consistently and readily available,
thereby facilitating long-term job-retention.
Basic Components
Supported employment services should achieve the following outcomes:
opportunity to earn equitable wages and other employment-related benefits,
development of new skills, increased community participation, enhanced
self-esteem, increased consumer empowerment, and quality of life. The types of
supported employment services used depend on the needs of individual consumers.
The following are the basic components of supported employment:
Paid Employment--Wages are a major outcome of supported
employment. Work performed must be compensated with the same benefits and wages
as other workers in similar jobs receive. This includes sick leave, vacation
time, health benefits, bonuses, training opportunities, and other benefits.
Employment must be for at least 18 hours per week.
Integrated Work Sites--Integration is one of the essential
features of supported employment. Individuals with disabilities should have the
same opportunities to participate in all activities in which other employees
participate and to work alongside other employees who do not have disabilities.
Ongoing Support--A key characteristic which distinguishes
supported employment from other employment programs is the provision of ongoing
support for individuals with severe disabilities to maintain employment.
Supported Employment Models
Several supported employment models are being used to provide the
benefits of work for people with severe disabilities.
Individual Placement Model--A person with a disability is
placed in a job in a community business which best suits his/her abilities and
preferences. Training is provided on the job site in job skills and work
related behaviors, including social skills, by a job coach. As the employee
gains skills and confidence, the job coach gradually spends less time at the
worksite. Support is never completely removed. The private or public vocational
rehabilitation agency furnishing the job coach is always available to the
employer for retraining for new assignments, assisting in dealing with
challenging behaviors, supplying periodic consultations with co-workers and
employer, giving orientation and training for co-workers.
Enclave Model--A small group of people with disabilities
(generally 5-8) is trained and supervised among employees who are not disabled
at the host company's work site. Persons in the enclave work as a team at a
single work site in a community business or industry. Initial training,
supervision, and support are provided by a specially trained on-site
supervisor, who may work for the host company or the placement agency. Another
variation of the enclave approach is called the "dispersed enclave." This model
is used in service industries (e.g., universities, restaurants, and hotels).
Each person works on a separate job, and the group is dispersed throughout the
company.
Mobile Work Crew--A small crew of persons with
disabilities (up to 6) works as a distinct unit and operates as a
self-contained business that generates employment for their crew members by
selling a service. The crew works at several locations within the community,
under the supervision of a job coach. The type of work usually includes
janitorial or groundskeeping. People with disabilities work with people who do
not have disabilities in a variety of settings, such as offices and apartment
buildings.
Small Business Model--Within a small business, there may
be up to six employees with disabilities, but not more than the number of
employees without disabilities. The small business operates like any business,
generating work and paying employees from revenues received. The small business
is located within the community.
Benefits to Employers
- No fee to employer
- Thoroughly screened applicants
- Employees' abilities matched to job requirements
- On-site job training by professionals
- Additional training, as necessary
- Follow-up services for the duration of employment
Where Can I Go for Additional Information?
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Switzer Building
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202
(202) 205-9297
Administration on Developmental Disabilities
Department of
Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington,
D.C. 20201
(202) 690-5504
Virginia Commonwealth University
Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center
on Supported Employment
1314 West Main Street; P.O. Box
842011
Richmond, VA 23284-2011
(804) 828-1851
Children's Hospital
Institute for Community Inclusion
200
Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 735-6506
Office of Disability Employment Policy
1331 F Street,
N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 376-6200
(202) 376-6205 TTY/TTY
October 1993
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