Supported Employment services help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities find and maintain meaningful, paid work in integrated community settings. These services are designed for people who may face barriers to employment because of the nature or complexity of their disabilities and who need ongoing support to succeed on the job.
At Arc of the Three Rivers, we believe that everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to pursue employment that matches their interests, strengths, and goals. Supported Employment helps make that possible by providing individualized support before, during, and after job placement.
How Supported Employment Helps
Supported Employment services are designed to prepare individuals for success in the workplace and provide the support needed to obtain and keep a job. Services may include:
- Vocational counseling and career exploration
- Job development and job placement assistance
- On-the-job training in work and work-related skills
- Job coaching and workplace support
- Supervision and monitoring by a job coach
- Help learning job duties and workplace expectations
- Support with workplace accommodations and task adjustments
- Intervention to replace inappropriate work behaviors with positive and adaptive work skills
- Retraining as job duties or work environments change
- Training in skills needed to obtain and retain employment, including the use of community resources
- Transportation to and from job sites when other transportation options are unavailable or inaccessible
Our Goal
The goal of Supported Employment is to help individuals achieve greater independence, personal growth, and confidence through meaningful work. Employment can provide more than a paycheck — it can also create opportunities for increased self-esteem, stronger community connections, and a greater sense of purpose.
As individuals earn income, they may also gain new opportunities to improve their quality of life through budgeting, saving money, participating in community activities, taking personal trips or vacations, and working toward more independent living arrangements.
Our Commitment
Arc of the Three Rivers provides Supported Employment services in response to the goals and aspirations of the people we serve who want real jobs in the community. We work to help each individual identify their interests, develop job skills, and receive the support they need to succeed in a work environment that values their contributions.
Our services may include job coaching, job analysis, job development, and ongoing support based on each person’s level of need. We are committed to promoting inclusion in the workplace and helping individuals with disabilities access the same opportunities for employment, dignity, and personal achievement as anyone else.
Why Inclusive Employment Matters
Hiring individuals with disabilities benefits everyone — the employee, the employer, and the community. Inclusive workplaces are stronger, more diverse, and better equipped to meet a wide range of business and customer needs.
Employers often find that workers with disabilities bring value to the workplace through:
- Strong motivation and dedication
- Reliability and consistency
- Valuable perspectives and problem-solving skills
- Positive impact on workplace culture and team morale
- Better connection with diverse customers and communities
- Long-term commitment and retention
When individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to work and contribute, businesses gain capable employees, and communities become more inclusive and welcoming for all.
It’s Ability, Not Disability, That Counts
At Arc of the Three Rivers, we believe employment is an important part of independence, dignity, and community inclusion. Supported Employment helps individuals build skills, earn income, gain confidence, and pursue a more self-directed future.
For more information about Supported Employment or other services offered by Arc of the Three Rivers, please contact our office at (304) 344-3403.
