Supported Employment

Supported employment is when an individual with the most severe disabilities is working in the community alongside individuals who do not have disabilities. Supported employment is receiving the training at the job site and having available the necessary ongoing supports to help maintain the employment.

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Who is eligible?
What services are available?
What are the standards for Service Providers?
Who are approved Service Providers?
Situational Assessment Form
Who is eligible?

Any individual with the most severe disabilities who has been unable to obtain or maintain competitive employment because of their disability; and because of their disability need intensive supported employment services. Individuals should apply for services at their local DRS Office.


What services are available?

Traditionally supported employment services consist of job placement, job coaching, follow-along services. An individual receiving supported employment services is also eligible to receive any of the services available through the State Vocational Rehabilitation Program.


What are the standards for Service Providers?

The Rehabilitation Act and Amendments require State VR Agencies to maintain standards for providers of vocational rehabilitation services. In the past we have accepted the accreditation from the Divisions of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health as our standard for purchasing Job Placement, Job Coaching, & Follow-Along Services. This has limited the availability of service providers and consumer’s choices. Following are the three categories for providers of these services:

Provider Type I. Department approved Adjustment Training Centers, Mental Health Centers, Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Communication Services For the Deaf and any CARF accredited agencies will not be required to submit DRS certification document.

Provider Type II. Consumer Certified Provider - required to meet minimal standards to provide job coaching or follow along service to the consumer. This is allowed only for the specific consumer. DRS retains the right to deny approval based on background check or previous poor performance. A Consumer Handbook and Provider Handbook are available at the local DRS Office.

Provider Type III. Private Providers - required to meet DRS provider standards and have a provider agreement with the Division. Private provider application

All providers are required to submit a monthly Service Report to the VR Counselor. Providers need to submit a billing with their service report Sample Report.


List of Service Providers

List of Approved Providers - Type I
List of Approved Providers - Type III