Supported employment in New Jersey
Supported Employment
Supported employment may help adults with disabilities explore work interests, prepare for workplace expectations, learn job tasks, and pursue employment goals. Support should reflect the person’s strengths, preferences, communication, and desired type of work.
Who may want to explore this
A possible fit starts with the person’s goals.
- Adults exploring employment
- People identifying work interests
- Individuals building workplace skills
- Families planning a transition into adult services
Possible benefits
Support should connect to everyday life.
- Clearer understanding of work interests
- Practice with workplace skills
- More confidence preparing for employment
- Greater connection to community life
What support may include
Specific support is discussed during intake.
These examples are educational, not a promise that every activity, format, or authorization is currently available.
- Exploring job interests
- Preparing for interviews
- Practicing workplace communication
- Learning job tasks
- Discussing strategies for maintaining employment
How to begin
Four practical steps from question to decision.
Contact Grace
Share the person’s age, county, goals, and the service or problem you are trying to understand.
Discuss the person
Talk about preferences, routines, strengths, communication, current supports, and what matters most.
Review requirements
Grace explains known availability and any approved-plan, state-program, referral, or intake information that may be relevant.
Decide the next step
If there may be a fit, Grace outlines the next action. A conversation does not guarantee eligibility, authorization, or placement.
Questions families ask
About supported employment
Does supported employment guarantee a job?
No. Supported employment can help someone explore, prepare, and pursue work goals, but it cannot guarantee placement, hiring, wages, or continued employment.
Can support reflect a person’s interests?
A person-centered approach begins with strengths, preferences, communication, work interests, and the kind of environment a person wants to explore.
How do we ask about current options?
Contact Grace with the person’s employment goals, county, current support plan, and any transition or vocational information that may be relevant.
Talk with Grace
Ask Grace about supported employment.
Tell us what support you are looking for. Grace will listen, explain possible next steps, and help you decide whether a conversation makes sense.