SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Supported Employment is a service that provides people with disabilities the help they need to get and keep a job that matches their interests, skills and abilities. Support is available to help identify a job goal, locate a job, learn the job, and maintain that job over time. We partner with Individuals to make sure they have the support they need throughout the process.
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Who is Eligible?
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People work for different reasons. Some benefits include:
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We start with people where they are at — regardless of prior work history, substance abuse history, or criminal background. The important factor is the Individual WANTS TO WORK!
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Career Exploration. Perhaps an individual has never worked, or it has been a long time. We can help them think about their talents and interests, and even get some experience to build a resume and develop local references.
Benefits and Work Incentive Planning Assistance. Often people are confused about how working will impact Social Security and other benefits. We can teach individuals about the many work incentive programs available! Job Preparation. We can help individuals develop a resume and prepare for an interview and we will provide other services to get them ready for work! Job Development and Placement Assistance. We provide specialized assistance to help match an individual's interests, skills, and abilities to the needs of community employers. We’ll provide support during the hiring process and help individuals figure out transportation, get needed clothing, or tools, etc., so they're ready to start a new job! Job Retention. We provide support to help Individuals learn their job and retain it over time. |
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Benefits to Employers:
- It Saves Time! Eliminate time-consuming and costly advertising and recruiting. We’ll do that for you!
- It Saves Money! We can help evaluate if there are tasks that are assigned to workers with higher skills that might be more efficiently handled by someone in a part-time entry-level position. Customer service employees reported that it allowed them more time for direct customer contact. Employers hiring employees with disabilities are often eligible for a tax credit as well!
- It Makes Money! Often we can help identify ways to provide a new service or a unique twist on an old service which provides work for a motivated employee while generating additional income for the business.
- It Increases Your Customer Base! According to the U.S. Business Leadership Network, 88% of people surveyed prefer to do business with companies who hire people with disabilities.
- It Builds a Positive Reputation in the Community! When you provide a job opportunity for someone with a disability, you are not only diversifying your workforce, but enriching your community by being a good neighbor.
SUPPORTED EDUCATION
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The Supported Education program is designed to help individuals overcome student barriers and achieve their educational goals.
Supported Education can help a person navigate the following:
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Who is Eligible?
Clients who are working with a ColumbiaCare therapist on their mental health recovery and have a desire to achieve educational goals can be referred to Supported Education. |
ColumbiaCare’s Supported Education Program is client-driven. Individuals are encouraged to identify their own educational goals and objectives based on personal preferences, strengths and experiences. The Supported Education Specialist will work closely with the client’s school personnel and mental health team to ensure the best access and support is provided for them to achieve their educational goals!
For more information, please contact Nina Askew, Supported Employment Supervisor at 541.858.8170 or naskew@columbiacare.org.