Supported employment offers a promising and effective way to help people with mental illness find and keep employment. People with severe mental disabilities, including those with severe mental illnesses, may be able to work when ongoing support services are available. Unlike traditional vocational rehabilitation models, in which a training period precedes placement, supported employment starts with a rapid job search and placement. Then an employment specialist (or job coach) offers on-going assistance and the support that the individual needs to succeed.
Supported employment helps individuals to live autonomously, build meaningful personal relationships, become integrated in their communities, and attain higher levels of general well-being. It also benefits society as people who work use fewer public benefits as well as pay taxes.
Unlike other vocational approaches for people with severe mental illness, supported employment is an evidence-based practice and its success has been demonstrated by empirical studies.