The Career Network provides services to 200 supportive housing tenants each year utilizing an evidence-based practice known as Supported Employment. Supported Employment programs help people find competitive jobs (that pay at least minimum wage and that any person can apply for) based on the person's preferences and abilities. Supported Employment services and its guiding principles include:

Eligibility is based on the participant’s choice. No one is excluded who wants to participate.

Supported Employment is integrated with treatment. Employment specialists coordinate individualized employment plans with the participant’s treatment team: case manager, therapist, psychiatrist, etc.

Competitive employment is the goal. The focus is community jobs anyone can apply for that pay at least minimum wage, including part-time and full-time jobs.

An individualized job search starts soon after a participant expresses interest in working. There are no requirements for completing extensive pre-employment assessment and training, or intermediate work experiences (like pre-vocational work units, transitional employment, or sheltered workshops). Assistance is offered with identifying job opportunities, resume development, preparing for interviews, and all of the other concrete tasks involved in obtaining employment.

Follow-along supports are continuous. Individualized supports to maintain employment continue as long as the participant wants the assistance. These supports can include visiting the participant at their job site, helping negotiate reasonable accommodations with employers, and addressing any of the difficulties that arise for people trying to succeed in a job.

Consumer preferences are important. Choices and decisions about work and support are individualized based on the person’s preferences, strengths, and experience.

Job loss is not viewed as a failure or reason for termination of services. Rather, it is seen as part of a learning process that participants use to improve their ability to find and keep employment that works for them.