Improving Employment Opportunities
The Supported Employment program helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. The program provides:

vocational screening and assessment,
job development,
on-the-job training and
long-term follow-along services

to increase success and satisfaction for the employee and employer.

This program creates winning situations by connecting individuals who can and want to work with employers who need dependable, contributing employees. The Supported Employment program is committed to equal opportunities, pay and work for people with disabilities.

How Supported Employment Works
The Supported Employment Program works with adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness or a dual diagnosis. Some individuals want to work but need support to achieve job readiness. Others are ready to enter or re-enter the workforce, already possessing marketable skills, education and experience, but needing assistance with their job search. Program participants may be referred by N.C. Vocational Rehabilitation.

Individuals who participate in the Supported Employment Program are guided through the journey to successful employment by their Supported Employment Specialists. Each individual's skills and talents are assessed. Then, each person receives support as he/she researches and applies for work.

When the employee is hired, the Employment Specialist works with the employer to determine what training is needed. The Specialist provides on-the-job training and supervision until the employer's performance and quality standards are met. Finally, the Specialist provides periodic reviews to insure that each employer-employee relationship is a winning situation.

Benefits for Employers
The Supported Employment program gives employers access to well-trained, productive staff members who are motivated to work. The services of the Supported Employment Specialist are provided at no cost to the employer. In addition, the employer may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), authorized by the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, is a federal tax credit that encourages employers to hire targeted groups of job seekers by reducing employers’ federal income tax liability by as much as $2,400 per qualified new worker.

You can find out more about this tax credit by visiting http://www.uses.doleta.gov/ or discussing this with your Supported Employment Specialist.

Benefits for Customers
In addition to on-the-job training and ongoing support, this program offers many intangible benefits for customers. Supported Employment helps customers obtain meaningful work that gives a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment while enabling them to achieve independence and productivity. Customers enjoy an improved quality of life that enhances their relationships with family, friends and others.

To Learn More
To find out more about the Supported Employment Program, call Residential & Support Services, (704) 536-6661.

Funding for the Supported Employment Program is provided by N.C. Vocational Rehabilitation and Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health.