What is Supported Employment?

With a starting point of assuming everyone can work, Supported Employment proactively engages with individuals and communities to promote high aspirational careers for all. Supported Employment does not wait for people to come to them; instead it takes Supported Employment to the people.

This is a process of getting to know an individual well by building a rich profile of everything that needs to be understood, in partnership with the person, to help match them to the right career. The profile is strengths based, so it is not only about finding a job someone is good at, but a job where both the individual and employer can flourish.

Employers are valued as equal partners within the Supported Employment model and their business requirements need to be at the heart of all conversations. Supported Employment proactively works with employers to understand workforce development needs, embed inclusive recruitment and build strong partnerships. Completing a job analysis helps create a rich picture of business need.

Using the vocational profile and job analysis, Supported Employment matches the right person into the right role, based on the aspirations of the individual and the business needs of the employer. It looks at every aspect of the match, including workplace culture, to provide the best opportunity to meet all needs.

Getting a job is the very beginning of the journey. In-work support provides personalised help so individuals can learn, integrate into every aspect of the role and grow in confidence, competence and independence. Employers receive support too, helping them become Disability Confident in action. Career progression matters, so people continue to flourish and grow over time.