Supported Employment
ON, Canada
Funding to hire employees with disabilities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 28, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 27, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Colleges and Universities
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Gain access to financial support to address staffing and skills needs by hiring suitably skilled people with disabilities.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Supported Employment program targets activities that help people with disabilities gain job readiness and employment opportunities, while also assisting employers in finding skilled workers.
- Initial contact and career exploration services for individuals.
- Job readiness workshops and activities for developing employability skills.
- Outreach and job search assistance services.
- Job matching between employers and suitable job seekers with disabilities.
- On-site job coaching and training services to support employment adjustment.
- Job retention support for individuals requiring periodic intervention.
- Training for employers on workplace accommodations and inclusive practices.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$45,000
Halifax
Job retention support for employees with disabilities
$50,000
Toronto
Workshop to develop employability skills for people with disabilities
$40,000
Montreal
Career exploration services for people with disabilities
$30,000
Ottawa
Inclusive workplace training for employers
$30,000
Vancouver
Job matching service for people with disabilities
$50,000
Calgary
On-the-job coaching services for disabled employees
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Supported Employment program needs participants to meet specific criteria to be eligible for the services offered.
- Individuals must have disabilities.
- Participants must require more intensive support services to gain job readiness and employment opportunities.
- The program is currently available in the Belleville, Cornwall, and Timmins catchment areas of the province.
- Employers looking to match with skilled workers with disabilities are eligible for financial supports.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Supported Employment (SE) program does not specify eligibility criteria for types of companies. It focuses on providing employment services to people with disabilities and matching them with job opportunities, while offering various supports to employers.
- Nothing
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Supported Employment program include costs incurred to assist individuals with disabilities in gaining job readiness and employment opportunities. Additionally, financial supports are available for both individuals and employers to address barriers to employment.
- Job readiness and employability skills training
- Assistive devices and adaptive technologies
- Workplace accommodations
- On-the-job coaching and support
- Job search and matching services
- Ongoing job retention support
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the Supported Employment grant are the Belleville, Cornwall, and Timmins catchment areas of Ontario.
- Belleville
- Cornwall
- Timmins
grant_single_labels|criteria
Supported Employment grant provides employment services to people with disabilities, focusing on job readiness and matching employers with skilled workers. The evaluation and selection criteria include:
- Demonstrated need for intensive support services
- Readiness for job placement and employment opportunities
- Customized employment supports tailored to individual needs
- Financial supports available for individuals and employers to address barriers
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Initial point of contact for individuals seeking employment services. Service providers explore the individual’s career, employment and training goals, and direct them to the most appropriate services.
- Step 2: Short-term interventions such as workshops or activities for job readiness, career exploration, and personal management skills.
- Step 3: Extensive outreach with employers and working with individuals on conducting an effective job search.
- Step 4: Work with employers to develop employment opportunities; individuals are matched into a job, not a time-limited ‘job placement’.
- Step 5: Work with employers and individuals to provide on-site training; resolve issues/problem solve; address any additional workplace training needs.
- Step 6: Assist clients who no longer require intensive job coaching support but who may require periodic interventions.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Apply to this program
Supported Employment Grant Overview
The Supported Employment Grant is designed to provide intensive employment support services to individuals with disabilities in Ontario, facilitating job readiness and placement while offering financial assistance to both individuals and employers to overcome employment barriers. The program, currently available in Belleville, Cornwall, and Timmins, aims to match skilled workers with businesses in need, creating a more inclusive and productive workforce.
Understanding the Supported Employment Grant
Ontario's Supported Employment Grant is a pivotal initiative aimed at integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce through a comprehensive range of customized support services. This program aligns with the province's broader employment strategy for people with disabilities, as outlined in the 2017 Access Talent strategy, which seeks to leverage the diverse skills and talents of all Ontarians.
The Supported Employment (SE) model is a proven best practice designed to create high-quality, consistent services for job seekers with disabilities who require more intensive support. It offers extensive support not just for job seekers but also for employers, ensuring that both sides benefit from the employment relationship. The program covers multiple aspects of the employment process, from improving job readiness to job retention, and provides on-the-job support where needed.
Key Components of the Supported Employment Program
The SE program comprises several critical components aimed at ensuring a holistic approach to employment for individuals with disabilities:
- Client Service Planning and Coordination: This initial phase involves exploring the individual's career, employment, and training goals. Service providers direct clients to the most appropriate services, ensuring a tailored approach to each person's needs.
- Employability Skills: Short-term interventions, such as workshops and activities for job readiness, career exploration, and personal management skills, are provided to bridge any gaps in a client's employability skills.
- Job Search Assistance: The program includes extensive outreach to employers and provides support to clients in conducting effective job searches. This ensures that job seekers are well-prepared and have access to suitable job opportunities.
- Job Matching: Service providers work with employers to develop employment opportunities, ensuring that individuals are matched to jobs that align with their skills and interests. This is not a temporary placement but a pathway to sustained employment.
- Job Coaching: On-site training and support are provided to help resolve issues and address any additional workplace training needs. This helps ensure a smooth transition and successful integration into the workplace.
- Job Retention: For clients who no longer require intensive job coaching, periodic intervention support is available to help them maintain their employment and address any emerging challenges.
Program Implementation and Phases
The Supported Employment program is being implemented in phases, allowing for gradual integration of existing services and continuous improvement based on feedback. The first phase, initiated in April 2018, includes the communities of Timmins, Cornwall, and Belleville. This phased approach ensures that the program can be tailored to the unique needs of each community and that any necessary modifications can be made before broader province-wide implementation.
The gradual integration plan involves combining current services such as the Ontario Employment Assistance Service (OEAS), the Ontario Disability Support Program-Employment Supports (ODSP-ES), and the Mental Health Vocational Employment Program (MHVE). This integration aims to create a streamlined, efficient system where people can easily access the services they need.
Supporting Employers
Employers play a crucial role in the success of the Supported Employment program. The SE grant not only helps to match employers with suitable job seekers but also provides several forms of support to create more inclusive workplaces:
- Addressing Staffing and Business Needs: The program matches employers with job seekers who have the skills needed for specific roles, helping to meet workforce needs efficiently.
- Training on Workplace Accommodations: Employers receive training on the use and implementation of assistive devices, adaptive technologies, and other accommodations to ensure that they can support employees with disabilities effectively.
- Creating Inclusive Environments: The program provides training on best practices for working with employees with disabilities, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- On-the-Job Support: Employers benefit from job coaching and retention services, which provide on-site support to address employment issues and additional training needs, ensuring a successful employment relationship.
Financial Assistance
Financial supports are a critical component of the Supported Employment program, addressing barriers to employment for both individuals and employers:
- For Individuals: Financial support is available to help cover costs related to employment preparation, such as training, transportation, and assistive devices. This helps remove barriers that might otherwise prevent individuals from securing and maintaining employment.
- For Employers: Financial incentives are provided to employers to encourage the hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. These incentives can help cover the costs associated with workplace accommodations and other necessary supports.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
The Employment Ontario framework places a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement. Feedback from service providers, the broader community, external stakeholder working groups, and individuals accessing the program is crucial for the ongoing success and enhancement of the Supported Employment program.
The program's effectiveness will be measured using a combination of indicators to assess who is being served, the outcomes for individuals, and the value for money provided. This comprehensive evaluation approach ensures that participants receive high-quality services and that the program meets its objectives.
The phased implementation allows for the collection of feedback and the opportunity to make necessary adjustments before the program is expanded to other communities. This iterative process helps ensure that the Supported Employment program remains responsive to the needs of both job seekers and employers, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and productive workforce in Ontario.
Conclusion
The Supported Employment Grant represents a significant step forward in Ontario's efforts to create an inclusive workforce where individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful employment opportunities. By providing intensive support services and financial assistance, the program helps to bridge the gap between job seekers with disabilities and employers, fostering a more diverse and resilient workforce. Through careful planning, phased implementation, and continuous feedback, the Supported Employment program aims to deliver high-quality, customized support that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.
For more information or to access the Supported Employment program, individuals and employers are encouraged to visit the Employment Ontario website or contact a local service provider. The program's dedicated support network is ready to assist with navigating the available services and ensuring successful employment outcomes for all participants.
