One of the tools DORS uses to assist consumers with mental health disabilities is
Supported Employment.
In a Supported Employment situation, job seekers with disabilities are given on-going support after they begin working, through activities such as training, supervision, and help with adjustment to the work environment, to ensure an employer’s satisfaction with the new employee’s work performance.
There are two types of Mental Health Supported Employment:
Evidence-Based Supported Employment and
Traditional Mental Health Supported Employment.
Evidence-Based Supported Employment
Evidence-based supported employment is a special type of mental health supported employment that some of the mental health supported employment providers in Maryland have met the requirements to provide. Evidence-Based Supported Employment is rooted in research and includes practices that have been proven to move an individual quickly into job development and placement based on the individuals stated employment goals. The individual is supported by both the provider and their DORS counselor.
Traditional Mental Health Supported Employment
Traditional supported employment services are more comprehensive and can include additional services designed to help an individual select their employment goal and/or measure whether or not the individual will be successful in their chosen goal. Like Evidence-Based Supported Employment, the individual is supported by both the provider and their DORS counselor.
If you are not currently participating in a Supported Employment program and would like to explore employment services with DORS, our counselors will work with you to determine your eligibility for our program. This may also include referring you to a mental health vocational program to determine your eligibility for on-going support.
For a list of all of our Community Rehabilitation Programs, go to our
CRP Directory.
For more information about DORS Supported Employment services, contact:
Kate Drake, M.Ed., CRC
Staff Specialist, Community Rehabilitation Programs
Catherine.Drake@maryland.gov
301-475-9612
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services (BHS) are another tool DORS uses to assist consumers with mental health disabilities. BHS provide supports to DORS consumers who have been referred by their DORS counselors. BHS may be part of maintaining a healthy recovery lifestyle as consumers work toward employment and self-sufficiency. These services can be provided either in person at a DORS office, at the DORS Workforce & Technology Center, and/or virtually.
