What is Supported Employment?
Supported Employment refers to competitive work in integrated settings consistent with the interests, skills, strengths and choice of an individual with a cognitive disability. In other words: Allowing capable, talented people with disabilities to have the same employment opportunities as anyone else.
Special Care & Career Services' Supported Employment program guides employers and potential employees through every step of the hiring process.
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Individuals with developmental disabilities hire us to help them find the optimal job for their skills and interests. We then assess their abilities and find employment opportunities that match these talents.
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We present our clients to employers for a standard interview.
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If the employer chooses to hire our client, we then provide extensive on-the-job training for the client, at no cost to the employer.
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Once the new employee is performing the job well without our supervision, we "fade back" and simply follow up with the individual once or twice per month to ensure continued success. Employers are always encouraged to work directly with the employee on an issues, but they can contact us for re-training or other assistance as well.
Why Should My Company Care About Supported Employment?
Hiring individuals with developmental disabilities in the context of a quality supported employment program has a host of benefits for employers, including:
- Pre-screened applicants
- Well-trained employees
- Increased employee loyalty in entry-level positions
- Reduced turnover
- Comprehensive job analysis
- Opportunity to demonstrate community commitment
- Opportunity to fulfill diversity requirements
The last point, the opportunity to fulfill diversity requirements, may be a new concept for employers. When most people think about diversity, they consider variables like race and gender. However, individuals with disabilities comprise the nation's largest minority, numbering more than 33 million Americans. Including disability in the diversity spectrum can have bottom-line impact for proactive employers. To learn more about the business value of "disability as diversity," contact us to set up a FREE diversity presentation for your organization.
Employers of Persons with Disabilities
Below are a few of the more than 100 companies that employ or have employed individuals through our Supported Employment program.
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Proud Employers of People with Disabilities
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Albertson's
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Haynes & Boone, LLP
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REI
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Alliance Data
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Hyatt Regency Dallas
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Richardson Bike Mart
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City of Dallas - Court & Detention Services
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Hunter & Associates
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Skyview Elementary
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C.C. Young Retirement Community
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IKEA
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Sodexho – JC Penney Headquarters
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Cafe Max
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Jones Day
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Special Care & Career Services
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City of Dallas - Parks & Recreation
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JPMorganChase
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South Garland High School
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Contemporary Services
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Just Brakes
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Target
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Costco
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Kroger
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T.G.I. Friday's
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Sky Athletics
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Informatics
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The Hockaday School
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McDonald’s
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The Plano Tavern
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Enterprise Rent-A-Car
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Melrose Pharmacy
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Tom Thumb
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Gleneagles Country Club
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Mobility Medical
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University of North Texas
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Grant Thornton
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Neiman Marcus
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Waffle House
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North Lake College
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Waldman Bros. Insurance
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Halff & Associates
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Parkland Hospital System
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Wal-Mart
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Feedback from Employers
The businesses that employ our clients have a host of great things to say about the experience. Here's a sampling!
The services that Warren performs have resulted in more time for our building engineers to focus on technical issues. Not only have we become more efficient as a team, but having Warren around has also increased morale in our office.
--John Clyne, Vice President of Corporate Administration, Alliance Data
Without Mary and Jason, there would be two less bright spots in everyone's day.
--Gilbert Pena, Vice President, JPMorgan Chase
Our fall registration flowed smoothly this semester with very few problems due in part to his ability to provide good customer service. Stephen is dependable, detailed, and good with people.
--MJ Porchia, TRIO Program Director, North Lake College
