Work is part of recovery
Research consistently shows that meaningful employment is one of the most powerful contributors to long-term mental health recovery. It provides income, structure, identity, and connection — and most people living with mental illness want to work. Our role is to help make that possible.
The IPS model
Our Supportive Employment program follows the eight evidence-based principles of Individual Placement & Support — the gold standard for employment services in behavioral health:
- Zero exclusion: every client who wants to work is eligible.
- Competitive employment: we focus on real jobs in the community, at competitive wages — not sheltered workshops.
- Rapid job search: job search begins within weeks of enrollment, not after months of prep.
- Integrated services: employment specialists work as part of the client's clinical team.
- Client preferences guide decisions: job type, hours, and disclosure are the client's choice.
- Benefits counseling: we help clients understand how earnings interact with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
- Systematic job development: employment specialists build ongoing relationships with local employers.
- Time-unlimited support: on-the-job and off-the-job support continues as long as the client wants it.
What clients can expect
Each client is matched with a dedicated Employment Specialist who gets to know their goals, strengths, preferences, and concerns. From there, the work is highly individualized — building a resume, identifying employers, practicing interviews, negotiating accommodations, and providing coaching once on the job.
Benefits counseling
Many people worry that going to work will cost them benefits they depend on. Our team provides factual, personalized benefits counseling so clients can make informed choices — including information about SSI/SSDI work incentives, Medicaid thresholds, and how earned income interacts with housing, food, and transportation assistance.
What employers can expect
We work as partners with local Vance County and regional employers. Our team handles job coaching, skill development, and troubleshooting, helping businesses access motivated, prepared workers. We are not a staffing agency — our focus is supporting successful long-term employment between a client and an employer.
Employers interested in hiring or learning more are welcome to contact us. We can explain the program, answer questions about supports and accommodations, and discuss how we partner with businesses.
Outcomes we track
We measure what matters: job placement rate, job retention, hours worked, wages earned, and client-reported satisfaction. We share outcomes transparently with clients, families (with authorization), LME-MCO partners, and funders.