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Supported Employment

Four Rivers Behavioral Health provides Supported Employment services to help individuals find and maintain meaningful work in an integrated community setting.

Supported Employment assists individuals with serious mental illness or intellectual or developmental disabilities in securing employment that aligns with their interests, abilities, and goals.

How Supported Employment Works:

Supported Employment services are provided through our Center for Integrated Supports Case Management. 

Support includes assistance with:

  • Job selection
  • Job development and analysis
  • Job acquisition
  • On-the-job support and stabilization
  • Long-term employment services

Services are designed to be flexible and responsive to each individual’s comfort level and needs.

Individualized Employment Support

Each participant works one-on-one with a Supported Employment Specialist to identify appropriate job opportunities based on personal interests, skills, and abilities.

Support may begin before employment and continue after hire, ensuring both the individual and employer have the assistance needed for success.

Examples of support include:

  • Additional job training
  • Support learning job duties at the work site
  • Promoting effective communication between employee and employer
  • Helping address workplace concerns as they arise

Support can be as much or as little as needed, depending on the individual’s preference.

Flexible, Ongoing Assistance

Supported Employment Specialists may provide support:

  • On the job

  • Off the job

  • Short-term or long-term

The goal is to ensure employment is stable, sustainable, and meaningful.

Benefits for Consumers

Choosing Supported Employment is an important step toward greater independence.

Working provides:

  • Increased self-confidence

  • Skill development

  • A sense of purpose and contribution

  • Opportunities for social connection

Each job plan is individualized, and job placements are based on the participant’s interests and abilities.

Benefits for Employers

Employers who participate in Supported Employment benefit from:

  • Access to a motivated, underutilized labor pool

  • Pre-screened candidates matched to appropriate job roles

  • Individualized employee training at no cost

  • Reduced turnover and absenteeism

  • Ongoing support and follow-up from a Supported Employment Specialist

In many cases, employers may also qualify for tax credits for hiring through the Supported Employment program.

How Do I Get Started?

The process typically includes:

  1. Meeting with a Supported Employment Specialist to discuss interests and goals

  2. Working with vocational rehabilitation for approval

  3. Developing a personalized employment plan

  4. Beginning the job search and placement process

Employment Specialists also help participants consider the pros and cons of disclosing a disability to an employer. The decision is always up to the participant, and preferences are respected.

Common Questions

An Employment Specialist will help you explore jobs that match your interests and skills. Your job search is personalized—your preferences matter.

While individuals are responsible for getting to work, Employment Specialists can help identify transportation options and find jobs in convenient locations.

Your employer pays you directly at a competitive wage, just like other employees.