The Supported Employment staff assist in resume development, job search, interview preparation, and follow along support.  Program staff work closely with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and the American Job Center to assure participants receive all of the available services they need to be successful in employment.

The principles of Supported Employment include the following:

• Zero exclusion.  The only criteria is that people want to work.  Individuals  are not excluded on the basis of readiness, diagnoses, symptoms, substance use history, or legal system involvement.
• A rapid job search approach is used to help job seekers obtain jobs quickly rather than spending time doing lengthy assessments.
• Job supports are individualized and continue for as long as each worker wants and needs the support.
• All jobs are competitive meaning that anyone can apply for them, they pay at least minimum wage, and have no artificial time limits imposed.
• Staff are continually involved in job development, establishing relationships with employers to learn about their business needs and hiring preferences, and identifying jobs based on the job seeker’s preferences.
• Employment specialists help people obtain personalized, understandable, information about how work will affect their Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and other government benefits so that they can make informed decisions.

Ticket to Work
United Services has been designated as an Employment Network for the Ticket to Work Program.  The Ticket to Work Program is a Federal program designed to provide Social Security Disability Beneficiaries the choices, opportunities, and support they need to enter and maintain employment.  The goal of the program is to reduce and, whenever possible, eliminate dependence on cash benefit programs.  The program connects individuals with free employment services to help prepare for work, find a job and maintain a job.  The services provided include career counseling, assistance in the job search including resume development, interviewing skills, job placement assistance and ongoing support.  The eligibility criteria include receiving SSDI or SSI, being between the ages of 18 and 64, and a willingness to reduce or eliminate cash benefits.

Level Up
United Services is a vendor through the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) for the Level Up Program.  This program provides career exploration and work experiences for high school students between the ages of 16 and 21.  Referrals come directly from BRS counselors.

Mobile Employment Services
United Services provides employment services for individuals recovering from opioid addiction on site at state-funded recovery houses as part of the Mobile Employment Services program.

Please contact Noreen Long, Program Manager, at (860) 456-2261  for referral information or any questions. 

Program Manager: Noreen Long

Funding for this program is provided by the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).