Supported Employment: Building Your Program - SAMHSA Store ...

Develop a collaborative relationship withyour local vocational rehabilitation agencyMany agencies collaborate with the rehabilitationservices administration (also known as vocationalrehabilitation) to provide SE services. Vocationalrehabilitation and mental health agencies share thegoal of helping people with disabilities return towork and increase their independence.Historically, the two state systems have not alwayscollaborated in a way that provides seamless andcoordinated services for consumers. If this is thecase in your state, your SE initiative presentsa new opportunity to build an effective workingrelationship with your local vocationalrehabilitation agency.Collaborations may bring added resources andservices. For example, vocational rehabilitationcounselors may provide the following: Training; Additional job shadowing; Job-related equipment and supplies; School tuition; Planning assistance; or Assistance with placement and support.Work with your agency director and mental healthauthority representative to engage local and statevocational rehabilitation representatives early in theimplementation process. Share information aboutSE and invite them to participate in your SEadvisory group.Understanding the guidelines and practices of eachother’s systems will close the gaps that have formedbarriers and create new ways of working togetherto provide more effective services for consumers.Agencies with effective relationships withtheir local vocational rehabilitation agencycommunicate regularly with designated vocationalrehabilitation counselors. Often counselors areincluded on consumers’ treatment teams. OtherSE programs also arrange for counselors to meetweekly or biweekly with consumers at the mentalhealth agency.In summary, building support from internal staffand key community stakeholders for your SEinitiative is essential to implementing effectiveSE services.Agency directors can lead this effort• Articulating clear support for the SEprogram to internal staff and keycommunity stakeholders• Attending some SE trainings, supervision,and advisory group meetings• Meeting monthly with the SE leaderto address roadblocks to providing SE• Facilitating ongoing planning and programimprovement efforts• Engaging local and state vocationalrehabilitation agency representativesBuilding Your Program 23 Tips for Agency Administrators and SE Leaders