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Supported Employment
Supported employment is an approach that emphasizes:
- Helping people obtain individual competitive integrated employment in the community; and
- Providing the supports necessary to promote success at the workplace.
"Competitive integrated employment" means work (part-time or full-time) in the community that anyone can apply for and pays at least minimum wage. The wage should not be less than the normal wage (and level of benefits) paid for the same work performed by individuals who do not have a disability. Supported employment is a successful approach that has been used in various settings by culturally diverse consumers, employment specialists, and practitioners.
Local Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSPs) may provide supported employment services if determined medically necessary for eligible individuals with:
- Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD)
- Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
To find your local CMHSP, enter your County into the search at: CMHSP Directory • CMHAM - Community Mental Health Association of Michigan.
If eligible, services may include:
- Career Planning/Discovery
- Job Development
- Job Coaching (as needed and at appropriate fading levels)
- Financial/Benefit Planning related to Social Security and/or Michigan health coverage
*Some CMHSPs are recognized and provide evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment. IPS is a well-defined approach to helping people with serious mental illness find and keep competitive employment. Many people living with serious mental illness want to work. Work is an important aspect in their recovery.
Practice Principles of evidence-based IPS Supported Employment (based on 28 Randomized Case Trials) for persons with serious mental illness. See: The IPS Employment Center – Research, Dissemination, Training, and Consultation (ipsworks.org).
Focus on Competitive Employment:
- Eligibility Based on Client Choice:
- Integration of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services:
- Attention to Worker Preferences:
- Personalized Benefits Counseling:
- Rapid Job Search:
- Systematic Job Development:
- Time-Unlimited and Individualized Support:
To inquire about eligibility and services available contact your local CMHSP at : CMHSP Directory • CMHAM - Community Mental Health Association of Michigan.
Partner State agencies may also have employment resources available for eligible individuals.
Consider:
Michigan Rehabilitation Services at LEO - MRS Office Locator (michigan.gov) - Enter your Zip Code to find the nearest office.
The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons at LEO - BSBP Office Information (michigan.gov) to find the nearest office.
Contact the Community Practices and Innovations (CPI) section for further information on overall statewide employment initiatives for individuals receiving services within the publicly funded behavioral healthcare network via email at mdhhs-CPI-section@mighigan.gov.