The Impact of Behavioral Deficits on Employment Retention: An Illustration from Supported Employment1

Abstract

Supported employment has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional rehabilitation approaches for tens of thousands of individuals previously excluded from employment opportunities. However, the ability to retain a job in business or industry for an extended period of time remains a challenge for many supported employment participants. An exploratory investigation of the reasons for job separation of 1,484 individuals participating in supported employment programs in eight states was completed to investigate behavioral characteristics that facilitate or hinder employment retention. Results illustrate that employment retention is affected by a wide variety of vocational, behavioral, economic, and external factors. A number of different approaches currently used to address behavioral difficulties in employment settings are discussed, including compensatory strategies, self-management, and co-worker supports.