ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of supported employment and discusses the evolving role of the job coach in facilitating successful employment outcomes for transition-age youth with disabilities. Supported employment is a term used to describe a system of integrated employment support for people with disabilities. Supported employment utilizes ongoing, person-centered practices that are specialized and evolve to meet the support needs of the individual as they change. Support needs are anticipated and inquiries regarding customer satisfaction are routine. Supported employment practices are centered on evidence-based principles. Supported or customized employment consists of many aspects of matching employees to employers/jobs based on their strengths and interests. Job coach responsibilities that encompass a much wider scope of support and services are needed to achieve successful transition outcomes. Job coaches use various assessments to uncover information to develop individualized employment strategies.
