Supported Employment Personnel: An Assessment of Their Self-Reported Training Needs,Educational Backgrounds,and Previous Employment Experiences

Abstract

A regional survey of 142 supported employment program managers and 519 direct service personnel, conducted in the states comprising Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Region III, identified respondents' self-reported training needs, educational backgrounds, and previous employment experiences. The results indicate that currently employed supported employment personnel, both program managers and direct service personnel, are female, young, highly educated, minimally paid, and experienced a variety of employment experiences prior to working in supported employment programs. Personnel training appears to have been effective in introducing personnel to supported employment philosophy, management, and implementation strategies. However, the findings suggest a need for technical assistance to refine the skills of both program managers and direct service staff.

Keywords

competitive employment employment in-service training preservice training supported employment vocational training

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