What Types of Jobs and Settings Are Suitable for Supported Employment?
The federal government established the Supported Employment program in the 1980’s to enable adults with developmental disabilities to successfully participate in the competitive work environment. These programs are generally supported by community-based service providers, and provide on-site job coaching and support with employers to handle behavioral and social challenges in the workplace. Let’s dig into the types of situations that can be considered supported employment.
When Should Supported Employment Become an Option?
Once an individual with developmental disabilities is ready to leave the public school system, they can enter into a vocational rehabilitation program that will help them prepare to enter into the workforce. Supported employment services are part of the available vocational rehabilitation program, and continues to support eligible individuals in their transition from academia into the competitive workforce.
Four Avenues of Supported Employment
There are several settings suitable for supported employment arrangements, but a common theme throughout each is that the setting in which the adults with developmental disabilities work should never be a segregated setting.
Competitive Work Environment With No Other SE Participants
For individuals who are eligible for supported employment due to their developmental disabilities, these jobs can take place in labor-intensive positions where job coaches can provide assistance to ensure successful completion of work. They can be the only supported employment candidates in the operation
Enclave With No More Than 6 SE Participants
This avenue includes work settings that can support multiple individuals in a supported employment setting, complete with job coaching and oversight, but dictates that no more than six qualifying adults participate in the organization’s supported employment program.
Mobile Crew of Service Providers with No More than 6 SE Participants
Landscaping services, cleaning companies, any company that sends teams of employees to provide services to clients can be organized as a supported employment arrangement, again with the provision that no more than six qualified adults with developmental disabilities are part of the deployed team of service providers. The community-based service providers provide support to ensure transportation to and from work sites, as well as oversight and job-site tasking in the field.
Establishing a Self-Employed Business
Vocational services counselors can help qualifying adults and their families to identify opportunities to provide services to local businesses and the community that can be monetized. Once the family and the individual set up the necessary infrastructure, supported employment job coaches can assist with the logistics of ensuring the new entrepreneur can meet their clients’ needs.
Paving the Way for Community Integration
Supported employment services play a vital role in the community integration of adults with developmental disabilities. As a contracted vocational rehabilitation provider in Nebraska, Hands of Heartland ensures access to supported employment services for those who need access to skills development and support in their transition into the workforce. If you or a loved one could benefit from this program, and you want to know more about opportunities in Omaha and Bellevue, contact our organization today to find a path to a rewarding work arrangement.