Supported employment provides the opportunity to assist individuals with the most significant disabilities with finding employment. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) provides a team of professionals that identify the services and ongoing supports needed to maintain employment.
As a general rule, individuals with disabilities who have been unable to find a job or who have had difficulty keeping a job because of their disability may be eligible for the program after evaluation and assessment.
Working together, trained vocational counselors and job placement specialists provide support needed for the individual to prepare for, retain, or regain employment. Supported Employment offers those with disabilities an opportunity to work in a competitive setting alongside non-disabled co-workers. They receive all the benefits of employment, including competitive wages, while learning the social and work skills necessary for success.
Choice of employment is based on factors such as the individual’s:
- Unique Strengths
- Interests
- Resources
- Experiences
- Abilities
- Priorities
- Concerns
- Informed choice
The Supported Employment program provides a trainer on-site with the employee until stabilization is secure.
Through networking with community support, the individual receives additional assistance in order to maintain the job successfully. The assistance provided is individualized and long-term. An entire team of committed professionals – the Counselor, Vocational Training Instructor, Job Trainer, Employer, and Community Organizations – work together to reduce and eliminate those barriers to employment caused by disabilities. Trained vocational counselors and job placement specialists provide support needed for the individual to prepare for, retain, or regain employment.
For more information, email VRSEreferrals@mdrs.ms.gov.