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Supported Employment

a hand putting a coin into a green piggy bank

Supported Employment Services (SES) is designed to help people with severe and persistent mental illness find work at employment opportunities that they choose and for which they are qualified.  The foundation of the program is that work can promote recovery and wellness.

About

For many adults, work is a central part of self-identity. Employment brings dignity, respect, self-confidence and an increased opportunity for independence.

Southwest Solutions’ Supported Employment Services program is part of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) initiative implemented by the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN). Southwest Solutions is one of ten agencies participating in the DWMHA Supported Employment Services (SES) program, which began in 2007 and is funded through grants. 

IPS is an effective model initiated by the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center. IPS integrates supported employment services with comprehensive mental health treatment and evidence-based practices. This model has helped more people with mental illness obtain employment than any other type of vocational program.

Our SES program has had good success helping individuals in the program find employment. All eligible program participants receive counseling at Southwest Counseling Solutions. Among the companies working with Southwest Solutions to hire individuals in Supported Employment are:

The SES program works with employers to make sure that the placement goes well and, as needed, to help resolve issues and provide support services.

 

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Results

Our SES goal is set at 35 job placements annually by the DWMHA.

Our agency has exceeded that goal every year since 2011.

Collectively, the ten agencies have placed more than 1,600 people into competitive employment since the program began.