Supported Employment & Career Service

Supported Employment Program

We believe that everyone, disabled or not, should have the chance to be gainfully employed.

In 2021, the national unemployment rate among people with disabilities was double that for those without any disabilities. People with disabilities are a largely underutilized yet highly motivated talent pool for businesses.

When people have meaningful work, they develop pride, self-respect, and a sense of belonging to their community. That's why UCP of Mobile's Supportive Employment is committed to helping qualified individuals with disabilities find and maintain competitive employment.

We achieve this through a unique, hands-on approach to connecting our applicants to the hiring needs of employers. Our Supported Employment program is funded by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and it follows the state’s “MILESTONES” system. All of our referrals come from ADRS, who determines if an individual qualifies for supported employment as outlined by federal regulations.

In order to enroll in supported employment, a consumer should call his/her local ADRS office, or the main office in Montgomery at (800) 441-7607 and ask to speak with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor about supported employment.

Once a consumer is referred to UCP, a Career Coach will schedule two (2) Situational Assessments. Each Assessment is a volunteer situation that lasts approximately four (4) hours. The Assessments give the consumer an opportunity to sample several job tasks and determine what kind of employment they wish to pursue based upon their own personal experiences.

Next, an Career Coach works with the consumer during the job search phase of MILESTONES. In addition to completing applications and accompanying them on interviews, the Career Coach negotiates with the employer regarding any accommodations the consumer may need.

Once the consumer is hired, the Career Coach remains with them, helping them learn their job tasks. As the consumer becomes more independent and comfortable with their tasks, the Career Coach decreases the amount of time they spend with them on the job site.

In the final stage of MILESTONES, the Career Coach periodically checks back with the consumer and the employer. Known as “Extended Supports,” this assistance is available to the consumer for as long as they have that job. Extended Supports are intended to aid the consumer anticipate and prevent any barriers (either on or off the job site) that may arise and would hinder their job performance.