What are the principles of supported employment?
Supported employment is based on six principles. • Eligibility is based on consumer choice. No one is excluded who wants to participate. • Supported employment is integrated with treatment. Employment specialists coordinate plans with the treatment team: the case manager, therapist, psychiatrist, etc. • Competitive employment is the goal. The focus is community jobs anyone can apply for that pay at least minimum wage, including part-time and full-time jobs. • Job search starts soon after a consumer expresses interest in working. There are no requirements for completing extensive pre-employment assessment and training, or intermediate work experiences (like prevocational work units, transitional employment, or sheltered workshops). • Follow-along supports are continuous. Individualized supports to maintain employment continue as long as consumers want the assistance. • Consumer preferences are important. Choices and decisions about work and support are individualized based on the person
