Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Environmental Controls • Physical Disability • Day Habilitation

Supported Employment

Term from Disability Services industry explained for recruiters

Supported Employment is a service that helps people with disabilities find and keep regular jobs in the community. Unlike sheltered workshops, this approach focuses on placing individuals in normal workplace settings with the help of job coaches. These coaches provide training and support both to the employee and the employer to ensure success. Think of it as a bridge that connects people with disabilities to meaningful work opportunities while providing the necessary support to make it work for everyone involved.

Examples in Resumes

Provided Supported Employment services to 30+ clients annually, achieving 85% job retention rate

Developed Supported Employment partnerships with 15 local businesses for job placement opportunities

Managed a team of 5 job coaches delivering Supported Employment Services across the county

Typical job title: "Supported Employment Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Employment Specialist Job Coach Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Employment Consultant Disability Employment Coordinator Job Developer Employment Support Professional

Where to Find Supported Employment Specialists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and maintain relationships with local employers to create job opportunities?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in business networking, understanding employer needs, and ability to showcase the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Should mention success stories and strategies for employer engagement.

Q: How do you handle program development and team management in supported employment?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience managing job coaches, creating training programs, maintaining funding compliance, and developing processes for successful job placements and support.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you assess client job readiness and develop employment plans?

Expected Answer: Should explain their process for evaluating skills, interests, and support needs, plus how they create individualized plans that match clients with appropriate jobs.

Q: What strategies do you use to provide on-the-job support to clients?

Expected Answer: Should describe practical approaches to job coaching, workplace accommodation implementation, and how they gradually fade support while ensuring client success.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is your understanding of supported employment and its goals?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of helping people with disabilities find and maintain competitive employment, understanding of person-centered planning, and importance of community integration.

Q: How would you help a client learn new job tasks?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic job coaching techniques, task analysis, and methods for breaking down job duties into manageable steps for training.