TEEM Supported employment is competitive work, for individuals who are 17-77 years old, in an integrated work setting, or employment in an integrated work setting in which the individuals are working toward competitive work that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, interests, and informed choice of individuals for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred.

TEEM Supported Employment consists of intensive, ongoing supports that enable recipients, for whom competitive employment at or above the minimum wage, is unlikely without the provision of supports. These recipients, because of their disabilities, need supports to perform in a regular work setting. Supported Employment includes activities needed to sustain paid work by recipients, including supervision and TEEM “A Mission For Life” training, as specified in the recipient’s Plan of Care.

Supported Employment services also include assistance with resumes, completing job applications, interview preparation, addressing personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, as well as coaching on workplace dynamics. TEEM is also an advocate for the recipient, towards the employers before the interview process, during this process and once on-the-job. Most Supported Employment services begin with a Community Based Assessment.

Types of Supported Employment Services

Individual Placement or One-to-One Model

A one-to-one model is a placement strategy in which an employment specialist (job coach) places a recipient into competitive employment, provides training and support, and then gradually reduces time and assistance at the work site once the recipient masters a certain percentage of the job. The recipient may then be transitioned to the Follow Along model of Supported Employment. A recipient can move from the Follow Along model back to the One-to-One intensive model if the job changes or a new job has been secured for the recipient and new tasks have to be learned.

Time Limited Job Coaching (TLJC)

TLJC is for individuals with significant disabilities who do not require extended follow-along service, but need short-term job training and support(s). In addition, on-site training does not require the same length of job training as supported employment. TLJC is viewed as a level of training slightly more intensive than on-the- job training, and less intensive than supported employment services. TLJC services follow the same general guidelines as the Individual Placement Model and Milestone Outcome Steps for Supported Employment Services.

Trial Work Evaluation

When there is a question about the employability of a recipient because of the severe nature of the disability, TEEM will complete a trial work assessment and evaluation in an actual workplace environment. During the trial work assessment, TEEM will determine if the recipient is employable by watching how he/she follows instructions, stays focused, behaves appropriately and has the stamina to sustain work. Then TEEM write a report in order for the Voc Rehab counselor to determine their eligibility or ineligibility for VR services.