Jackson Clients Get New Jobs

by Jennifer Hensley

WHAT IS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT?

Supported employment is a package of services designed especially to support consumers with disabilities in establishing and maintaining meaningful employment relationships in their community. Supported employment has various elements such as assessment, career planning and development, job coaching and on-the job training. Supported employment is a service component of DD waiver services. The Individual Service Plan (ISP) requires development and implementation of a career development plan, vocational profile and a strategic plan for Jackson class members. Most consumers work at least ten hours a week and earn at least a minimum wage.

Joe is a forty-year-old man who lives in southern New Mexico. He enjoys fishing, visiting friends and family and working. His past work experience includes food service, janitorial services and lawn maintenance. Most recently, he spent most of his day delivering flyers for a local cleaning company. At a recent team meeting, Joe stated that he was bored with delivering flyers and wanted work that would pay better. He decided to change providers in order to make this happen. Joe's new provider has a janitorial contract for Joe beginning next month. With the support of a job coach, Joe will be working at a college part-time (one or two hours a day) and making minimum wage. As he becomes more comfortable and familiar with his job duties, he will work more hours. Joe is excited about starting a new job.

Rose is a senior citizen living in southern New Mexico. She likes clothes, shoes, and fingernail polish. She is very tidy and keeps herself and her room neat and clean. She is a loner and likes quiet places. Rose's previous employment consisted of assembling dinnerware packs (which she did not like) and volunteering at a beauty salon in exchange for manicures. This month, Rose began working a few hours a week at a local boutique where she takes out the trash, and puts clothing back on hangers to be put back on the racks. Now she has a little extra money to spend on whatever she likes.