Supported Employment Program
Acenda’s Supported Employment Program (SEP) empowers individuals living with serious mental illness to secure competitively paid, community-based employment based on their personal strengths, skills, and motivations.
We’re here to help with:
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Employment & Vocational Services
Providing support, resources, and guidance to help you overcome work-related obstacles, develop skills, and achieve your career goals.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Supported Employment Program, you must:
- Be a Gloucester County resident (special consideration given to nearby counties)
- Currently or within the past year have had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration to meet DSM-V-R specified criteria or the current ICD-CM equivalent (Exceptions: substance-use disorders and developmental disorders, unless cooccurring with another serious, diagnosable mental illness)
- Be an individual experiencing functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits functioning in one or more major life activities including basic daily living skills, instrumental living skills, and functioning in social, family, and vocational/educational contexts
- Agree to work cooperatively with SEP staff to address vocational goals
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
To enroll, contact, Acenda’s Access Center at 833-584-9165, after which SEP will reach out to you to set up an intake assessment, discussion about needs and preferences for employment, and complete consent forms.
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Arranging Services
As you work with SEP, you will meet with them every two weeks, or more often, as needed.
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Moving Forward with Care
Once employment is secured, you can choose to let your employer know you are working with SEP or not. If you do choose to inform your employer that you are working with SEP, then a member of the SEP staff can help to provide up to three months of job coaching on-site. If you choose not to reveal that you are working with SEP, then they can provide up to 3 months of off-site coaching.
FAQ’s
How long will I have to wait to start receiving Supported Employment Program services after I have been referred?
The SEP employment specialist typically reaches out to you within 48 hours of receiving a referral. SEP services usually begin within two to four weeks of the initial referral
How much do Supported Employment Program services cost?
There is no cost for receiving Supported Employment Program services.
How do I qualify for Supported Employment Program?
To be eligible for the Supported Employment Program, you must:
- Be a Gloucester County resident (special consideration given to nearby counties)
- Currently or within the past year have had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration to meet DSM-V-R specified criteria or the current ICD-CM equivalent
- Have a functional impairment that substantially interferes with one or more major life activities, including basic living skills or daily activities and participation in social, family, vocational, or educational roles.
- Agree to work cooperatively with SEP staff to address vocational goals
How can the Supported Employment Program help me find a job?
The Supported Employment Program helps individuals identify employment goals, prepare for job opportunities, develop interview and workplace skills, and connect with employers in the community. Your Employment Specialist will provide individualized guidance and support throughout your job search.
What types of support will I receive after I find a job?
Once you begin working, your Employment Specialist will continue providing support based on your needs. This may include job coaching, problem-solving workplace challenges, building confidence, and helping you maintain long-term employment and achieve your career goals.
Will my employer know I am participating in the Supported Employment Program?
No. Participation in the program is confidential. Whether you choose to share that information with your employer is entirely your decision. If you choose to involve your employer, your Employment Specialist can provide on-site job coaching and additional workplace support.
What if my employment goals change over time?
Your Employment Specialist will regularly review your progress and adjust your employment plan as your goals or circumstances change. Whether you’re looking for a different position, additional training, or career advancement, the program is designed to support your ongoing success.
Do I need previous work experience to participate in the Supported Employment Program?
No. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning to work after time away, or looking for a new career opportunity, your Employment Specialist will work with you to identify your strengths, develop job readiness skills, and help you achieve your employment goals.
Can the Supported Employment Program help me keep my job after I’m hired?
Yes. The Supported Employment Program provides ongoing support to help you succeed in your new position. Depending on your needs, your Employment Specialist can offer job coaching, workplace problem-solving, skill development, and encouragement to help you maintain long-term employment and continue progressing toward your career goals.
