Evidence-Based Principles of Supported Employment

• Eligibility is based on consumer choice.
• Supported employment is integrated with treatment.
• Competitive employment is the goal.
• Rapid job search is used.
• Job finding is individualized.
• Follow-along supports are continuous
  

Transcript

There are 6 evidence-based principles for supported employment. The program components represented by these principles are almost always present in successful vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with severe mental illness. These components are predictive of better employment outcomes. The 6 evidence-based principles are:

Eligibility is based on consumer choice.
Supported employment is integrated with treatment.
Competitive employment is the goal.
Rapid job search is used.
Job finding is individualized.
Follow-along supports are continuous.

Together, these evidence-based principles serve as a foundation for evidence-based guidelines for providing effective supported employment services. The Supported Employment Fidelity Scale that is the focal point of this lecture is based on these 6 principles that define supported employment for individuals with mental illness. It is important to note that a number of specific program elements - for example, reasonable caseload size, diverse employment settings, assertive outreach, and benefits counseling - are found in most supported employment programs, but the association between these elements and better employment outcomes has not yet been established. Further research is needed to clarify the critical ingredients of supported employment, which will lead to modifications, refinements, and additions to the supported employment model. More specific descriptions of these practices are provided in the following slides.