Supported Employment

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Supported
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES for Adults

For many people, working at a job is a meaningful part of their life. Learning a new skill, earning a paycheck, and interacting with coworkers, can help people develop confidence in themselves and their strengths.

WHAT IS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT?

Research has found that work can lead to recovery for people with mental illnesses. Through Individual Placement and Support and its core principles, clients of Riveon receive employment and/or education services tailored to their needs and preferences. Employment Specialists are available to assist in exploring options and resources to increase your success in obtaining and retaining competitive jobs in the community.

CORE PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Individual Placement and Support has 8 guiding principles:

A Competitive Job is the Goal

Competitive jobs in the community inspire self-esteem and enable clients to work side-by-side with people who may or may not be experiencing mental illnesses.

Zero Exclusion

Clients who want to work, receive help regardless of their present circumstances.

Integration of Rehabilitation and Mental Health

Employment Specialists work closely with case managers, counselors, prescribers, and other professionals who are part of your mental health treatment team.

Consumer Preferences are Important

Services are based on client preferences, interests, and choices.

Personalized Benefits Planning

Employment Specialists can assist clients in obtaining personalized information to understand the impact of earnings on various benefit programs including Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP, and many others before deciding to pursue employment or while employed.

Rapid Job Search

Job search and/or education activities begin promptly.

Systematic Job Development

Employment Specialists build relationships with employers in the community to learn about their business needs and hiring preferences.

Time-Unlimited and Individualized Support

Once a client is employed, follow along supports are available based on the client’s needs and interest for these services.

HOW TO
GET STARTED

Let your case manager, counselor, and/or prescriber know that you are interested in working.

Contact the agency’s main number at
440.233.7232

and ask to be transferred to
Supported Employment Services.

HERE’S WHAT OTHER CLIENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:

...the compassion, empathy, and kindness I have been shown has helped me greatly get to the goals that I am working towards. Everyone needs a purpose in life. We all have gifts and you never know what you will unlock in yourself to lead you to your employment goals.

I was unaware of what to ask for or what accommodations were available which has allowed me to keep my job. I’m not as stressed about losing my job when I have bad days. Despite what your mental illness and negative thoughts are telling you, sometimes you have to take a chance. Do it afraid! As long as you’re willing to work for it, there will be some form of improvement.

My Employment Specialist has been the most helpful in sorting through my thoughts. See things from a different perspective. I value what you have to offer and I feel that it has been a most contributive part in my recovery just because of my Employment Specialist’s way of being. I would’ve not been able to reach this point without this help. Progress doesn’t stop here. Don’t be afraid to try this program or this type of help available because you may be pleasantly surprised at the progress you can make. And in my case, been able to keep my benefits and work which has helped me improve financially. It can happen with the right supports.

...I do recommend this program to anyone who struggles with finding a job or maintaining a job, due to mental health issues. It is a unique program and very individualized. There’s no pressure to do things a certain way because the employment specialist will work with you on what you need to be successful and achieve you employment/educational goal. I like how flexible the program is, as it is always there, even if I decide to stop services for a period of time. You are more isolated when you are unemployed and dependent on others. Working does help with depression and gives you more independence, which is a really free feeling. You also never know who you are going to meet or what type of opportunities may arise without putting yourself out there in new situations. Through working, you can pick up useful skills that you can use in your day to day life, or even sharpen skills that you already have but have not used in a while.