Employment… More than just a job.

Laurel House members want to work. Last year the Laurel House Employment Program helped 151 people achieve their employment goals. The mission of the program is to help members obtain employment in fields of their choice and provide support for them to stay employed. To do this, the program offers varying levels of support through basic employment models: BRS (Bureau of Rehabilitation Services) contracted job placement, coaching and situational assessments for ongoing, competitive employment; supported employment, designed to help members get and keep a job as independently as possible; and independent employment, for working members who do not need the full support of the programs, but remain connected to Laurel House. All active members are encouraged to seek employment through one of these program options, with ongoing support available to all working members for as long as they are active in Laurel House.

Employment support is more than just helping someone find a job. At Laurel House, we believe that the program model is just the means to achieving a higher goal: the self-sufficiency and sense of satisfaction that come from meaningful employment. That is why Laurel House offers a variety of program options and is flexible about borrowing from different models. Our members just want the support when they need it and how they need it. Some people want to test the waters with a temporary entry-level work experience. Others are interested in resuming a career interrupted by mental illness. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package of employment programs that can help every member achieve their personal goals.


BRS-Contracted Services

• employment in mainstream integrated settings at prevailing wage rates

• Time-limited “situational assessments”

• competitive application process (except for situational assessments)

• job coaching and other on-site support services

• support is time-limited, jobs are not

• member “ownership” of job

• must meet BRS eligibility requirements

Supported Employment

• employment in mainstream integrated settings at prevailing wage rates

• competitive application process

• job coaching and other on-site support services if desired by member

• ongoing support as long as the member wants it

• member “ownership” of job

• open eligibility

Independent Employment

• an unofficial designation for working members not enrolled in other employment programs

• employment in mainstream integrated settings at prevailing wage rates

• competitive application process

• ongoing support as long as the member wants it

• member “ownership” of job

• induction in the “Earners & Learners” Hall of Fame after 1 year

• open eligibility