Employment Support through the Supports Waiver

Employment Support through the Supports Waiver: Achieve Your Career Goals

Empowering Participants Through Employment Support

The Supports Waiver Program includes Supported Employment services, designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve meaningful employment. These services focus on fostering independence, financial stability, and integration into the workforce.

This guide explores how Supported Employment services work and how employment goals are seamlessly integrated into the Individual Support Plan (ISP) to help participants succeed in their career aspirations.

Supported Employment Services

Supported Employment is a vital service offered under the Supports Waiver, helping participants secure and sustain competitive, integrated employment. This service is tailored to each participant’s abilities, interests, and career goals.

Key Features of Supported Employment Services

Job Development and Placement
- Assistance in identifying job opportunities that align with the participant’s skills and interests.
- Support in applying for and securing jobs in integrated work environments.
On-the-Job Support
- Coaching and mentoring to help participants learn job-specific skills.
- Ongoing support to ensure job retention and performance success.
Skill Development
- Training programs to enhance workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Support for career advancement and personal growth.
Advocacy and Employer Engagement
- Educating employers about the value of hiring individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Facilitating workplace accommodations to ensure a supportive environment.

These services not only enhance participants’ independence but also promote social inclusion and community participation.

Integrating Employment Goals into the ISP

The Individual Support Plan (ISP) is the cornerstone of service delivery under the Supports Waiver. Employment goals are a critical component of the ISP, ensuring participants receive the necessary supports to achieve their career aspirations.

How Employment Goals Are Integrated

Goal Setting
- Participants work with their Community Support Coordinator (CSC) to identify career goals that align with their interests and abilities.
- Goals may include securing a first job, advancing in a current role, or transitioning to a new career path.
Service Planning
- Supported Employment services are embedded into the ISP, detailing the supports required to achieve the participant’s employment goals.
- Services may include job coaching, transportation to the workplace, or assistive technology for job-related tasks.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
- CSCs regularly review employment goals with participants to assess progress.
- Plans are adjusted as needed to reflect changing aspirations or workplace requirements.

By integrating employment goals into the ISP, participants receive a clear, actionable roadmap for achieving career success.

Success Stories from Supported Employment Services

Many participants have achieved remarkable milestones through Supported Employment services. For example:

Maria’s Journey: With the help of job coaching, Maria secured a position in a local bakery, where she excelled as a cashier. She now trains new employees and plans to pursue a management role.
John’s Career Path: John used Supported Employment services to transition from volunteer work to a full-time job as an administrative assistant. The skills he gained have made him a valued team member in his office.

These stories highlight how employment support fosters confidence, independence, and financial stability for participants.

How the New Mexico Support Network Can Help

The New Mexico Support Network plays a critical role in helping participants access and succeed in Supported Employment services. Their assistance includes:

Career Planning Guidance: Helping participants identify and set achievable employment goals.
Service Navigation: Connecting participants with Supported Employment providers and resources.
Advocacy Support: Assisting participants in securing workplace accommodations and educating employers.
Workshops and Resources: Offering training sessions to prepare participants for the workforce and enhance their skills.

With the New Mexico Support Network’s support, participants can confidently navigate the employment process and achieve lasting success.

The Benefits of Supported Employment Services

Supported Employment services empower participants to:

Achieve Independence: By earning a paycheck and contributing to their communities.
Gain Financial Stability: Through competitive wages and career advancement opportunities.
Build Confidence: By developing workplace skills and achieving personal milestones.
Foster Inclusion: By participating in integrated employment settings and forming meaningful relationships with coworkers.

Employment Support through the Supports Waiver