Improving supported employment outcomes through cross-agency training: local solutions to local problems

Abstract

This paper describes a university sponsored training program for supported employment specialists called Get Supported Employment Training (GET-SET). The purpose of GET-SET was to increase the supply of qualified supported employment personnel through a nine-credit continuing education program. Because many supported employment initiatives require interagency Collaboration, this training program focused on recruiting cross-agency teams as trainees. These teams consisted of representatives from education, rehabilitation, mental retardation and mental health agencies and family members. Each team participated in 2 full weeks of course material and collaborated on practical experience in which they jointly coordinated supported employment services for consumers in their local communities. These cross-agency teams addressed many systemic issues such as: family and consumer empowerment; community-based work experiences for youth in transition; integrated planning; and cross-training for parents, consumers and service providers at the local level. Outcome data on the impact these teams have had on consumers, as well as continued efforts at the local level are documented.