Supported Employment

Supported Employment Program Goal
The goals and objectives of the Supported Employment Program are to introduce or re-introduce individuals with serious and persistent mental illness into paid employment and to assist them in being successful with regular employment. The desired outcome would be an eventual transition into full time, competitive employment. although fFor some individuals steady, part time employment might be a realistic goal. Persons whoIndividuals engageing in full time employment wouldill eventually make the transition out of entitlement programs and into a fully financially independent status. Persons who engage in part time employment would likely retain their benefits and participation in our programming though at a much reduced level. The goal is always to reach the greatest level of independence possible.

What do we do? Southern Maryland Community Network’s Supported Employment Program (SMCN) is designed to assist individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses engage in competitive employment. Many individuals due to the severities of their mental illness have difficulty obtaining and maintaining employment without consistent supports. SMCN provides the supports needed for individuals to gain and maintain competitive meaningful employment. Who do we Serve? Calvert County residents that are (18 years of age or older), have an Axis I diagnosis and are interested in employment, education, and training. The individual must also be eligible for the public mental health system. Individuals who are actively participating in one of our agency programs: Targeted Case Management or Rehabilitation Services will be eligible for SMCN Supported Employment Services.
SMCN’s Supported Employment Program services include: Coordination with other agencies and referrals to other agencies   Vocational assessment   Vocational counseling on entitlements   Job Development   Job Coaching   Job Placement

Referrals
SMCN accepts referral to our Supported Employment from a variety of community resources including but not limited to: DORS Teams, Case Managers, Employers and Self Referrals.
 

Benefits to Employers

Employer will be eligible for Tax Credits on the Federal and State Level.

SMCN Supported Employment consumer participants will receive on the job training at no cost to the employer and job retention skills training.

SMCN’s Employment Specialist will also work with The Division of Rehabilitation Services DORS to assist individuals in getting specialized training for jobs or any adaptive equipment needed to perform a job.