Supported Employment for Adults

The Supported Employment Program provides a range of ongoing support services to help ensure a good match for both the adult seeking employment and the prospective employer.  The program serves individuals with:

• Intellectual disabilities
• Autism
• Deafness or hearing impairment
• Mental health diagnosis
• Visual impairment

How Do Supported Employment Services Work?

Adults work with highly trained and professional employment specialists or "job coaches." These highly trained professionals work side-by-side with the adult, remaining at the workplace until the new employee performs all job duties to the employer’s satisfaction.

Employment Specialists will return to the site whenever needed to assist the adult in learning new responsibilities. The goal for each supported employee is that he or she will successfully and independently maintain employment in the community.

Services to the Supported Employee Include:

Community-Based Work Assessment - Establishes job readiness, targets appropriate job matches, and recommends supports necessary to secure and maintain employment in the community.

Job Development - Provides training and assistance in all phases of the job search including creating a resume, completing job applications, developing interviewing skills, contacting potential employers, analyzing potential employment sites, and reviewing specific job responsibilities prior to placement.

Job Coaching - On-site job training with employment specialists, including intensive training (100% on-site support), fading (gradual reduction of on-site support), follow-along (periodic visits to monitor progress), and re-intervention (additional training for new tasks or to improve skills). Off-site training for the continued development of work-related skills, social skills, money management, and transportation is also available.

Support Services to the Employer Include:

Preliminary Screening and Referrals - Employment specialists pre-screen candidates to ensure a good fit for the employer's needs, saving time and resources during the hiring process.

On-site Training and Follow-along Services - Job coaches provide on-site training for new employees, reducing the employer's training efforts and offering ongoing support to ensure sustained job performance.

Supervisory Strategy Consultation -  Employers receive expert advice on managing and integrating employees with disabilities, promoting an inclusive and productive workplace culture.

Cost-free Services - Services are provided at no cost to the employer, offering financial benefits and encouraging workforce diversity without barriers.

Employer Testimonials

Local businesses have found that people with disabilities can become dedicated, responsible workers with resources from a Supported Employment provider. Here's what some of them have to say about Supported Employment:

• "The Barber Institute has a wonderful job coaching program that helps individuals gain their independence and become successful Wal-Mart Associates." Lori - Wal-Mart, Human Resources Office.

• "The individual placed is a conscientious employee that appreciates his job." Richard – Girard Dinor, Owner.

• "I wanted to take a second to let you know how valuable your services are to our organization. Our employee that you have coached and trained is second to none . . . I would also strongly encourage any of my peers and colleagues to take advantage of the supported employment services offered by the Barber National Institute. They definitely won't be disappointed!" Janet – Forestview Nursing Home, Dining Supervisor.