Supported Employment

Eligibility for the Supported Employment grant under Employment Ontario is based on specific criteria associated with service providers and program requirements.

• The service provider must be able to demonstrate experience in working with individuals who have disabilities and provide intensive support services required by the participants.
• The service provider must operate in the regions selected for the initial implementation phase, specifically in Timmins, Cornwall, and Belleville.
• Providers must have the infrastructure to implement the Supported Employment model, including job coaching, job retention services, and training on workplace accommodations.
• Participating service providers should be engaged in consultations and development of the program guidelines.
• Employers must collaborate with service providers to support job matching and workplace integration for participants.

Who is eligible?

Eligible expenses

The Supported Employment program aims to provide customized employment services for individuals with disabilities, promoting job readiness and sustainable employment opportunities while assisting employers in creating inclusive workplaces. Eligible activities focus on various stages of employment support and coordination, catering to both job seekers and employers.

• Client Service Planning and Coordination to assess and direct individuals to suitable employment services.
• Employability Skills workshops for job readiness and personal development.
• Job Search initiatives including employer outreach and effective job search strategies.
• Job Matching services to align individuals with suitable employment opportunities without time-limited placements.
• Job Coaching providing on-site training and workplace issue resolution.
• Job Retention support offering periodic interventions post-intensive job coaching.

Eligible geographic areas

The Supported Employment grant program provides financial support for expenses directly related to employment services for individuals with disabilities.

• Customized employment supports tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Financial supports for addressing barriers to employment for individuals.
• Training on the use of assistive devices, adaptive technologies, and workplace accommodations.
• On-the-job coaching and retention services for clients.
• Workplace inclusion training for employers to support and retain employees with disabilities.

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

Aside from eligibility criteria and application steps, here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The Supported Employment program will be gradually integrated with existing employment services such as the Ontario Employment Assistance Service, Ontario Disability Support Program-Employment Supports, and the Mental Health Vocational Employment Program.
• The program is designed to be responsive to the distinct community settings and workplace challenges of people with disabilities.
• The phased approach allows for feedback gathering from service providers and participants, enabling modifications before further statewide roll-out.
• Program effectiveness will be measured using various indicators related to the service profile, participant outcomes, and value for money.
• The first phase of implementation targets Timmins, Cornwall, and Belleville.