Supportive Employment is a program designed to assist individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment in finding and maintaining competitive employment in the community. This approach emphasizes providing tailored support services to help individuals overcome barriers and succeed in the workforce. Supportive employment programs typically offer a range of services, including vocational assessment, job development and placement, job coaching and training, accommodations and modifications in the workplace, and ongoing support to promote job retention and career advancement. The goal of supportive employment is to empower individuals to achieve greater independence, financial stability, and integration into the workforce while receiving the necessary support to thrive in their chosen careers.
- Vocational Assessment: Conducting assessments to identify an individual’s skills, strengths, interests, and barriers to employment, helping to determine suitable job options and support needs.
- Job Development and Placement: Assisting individuals in securing competitive employment by identifying job opportunities, networking with employers, and facilitating job interviews and placements.
- Job Coaching and Training: Providing on-the-job training and support to help individuals learn job tasks, develop workplace skills, and adapt to new work environments, ensuring success and retention in employment.
- Accommodations and Modifications: Working with employers to implement workplace accommodations and modifications, such as flexible scheduling, adaptive equipment, or job restructuring, to address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.
- Skills Development: Offering training and workshops to enhance job readiness skills, including resume writing, interviewing techniques, communication skills, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Case Management and Support Services: Providing ongoing case management support to individuals, including assistance with accessing transportation, childcare, housing, healthcare, and other supportive services to address barriers to employment.
- Peer Support and Mentoring: Offering peer support groups and mentoring programs where individuals can connect with others who have similar experiences, share insights, and receive encouragement and guidance in pursuing their employment goals.
- Career Counseling and Planning: Providing individualized career counseling and guidance to help individuals explore career interests, set employment goals, and develop action plans for achieving long-term career success.
- Retention and Advancement Support: Offering ongoing support to individuals after obtaining employment to help them retain their jobs, address workplace challenges, and pursue opportunities for career advancement and skill development.
- Community Integration and Social Inclusion: Supporting individuals in building social connections, participating in community activities, and accessing resources to promote community integration and enhance overall well-being.
- Advocacy and Rights Protection: Advocating for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, ensuring equal access to employment opportunities, reasonable accommodations, and protection from discrimination.
- Collaboration with Employers and Community Partners: Building partnerships with employers, vocational training programs, educational institutions, and community organizations to create employment opportunities, promote inclusive hiring practices, and support workforce development initiatives.
Please give us a call or send us a message if you have more questions about our services.