This post was authored by Jillian Snyder, MS, CRC, CPRW
Are you someone who knows you need additional support in finding employment, but is unsure where to begin? Understanding your options for employment support available is an important first step toward achieving your career goals.
Employment support services are designed to match an individual’s level of independence and the specific barriers they may face. In the field of rehabilitation counseling, these barriers are often referred to as functional limitations. While two individuals may share a similar diagnosis or circumstance, their experiences and needs can differ significantly.
For this reason, working with a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) can be invaluable. CRCs are trained professionals who assess your unique situation, help clarify your goals, and guide you toward the most appropriate level of support.
It is important to recognize that independence is not static. Throughout life, individuals may experience periods of full independence as well as times when additional support is necessary. Seeking assistance is not a weakness; it is a strategic, informed decision that enables you to access resources and achieve sustainable success.
This guide outlines several types of employment support services, organized from the highest level of independence to the most comprehensive, long-term support.
Private Career Coaching
Private career coaching is often the best fit for individuals who are largely independent but need guidance in navigating the modern job market or making career decisions.
Private career coaching agencies are typically for-profit organizations that provide individualized, client-centered services. Unlike recruiters or temporary staffing agencies, which primarily serve employers, career coaches focus on the needs of the job seeker.
Common services include:
- Career exploration and goal setting
- Resume and cover letter development
- Job search strategy and application support
- Interview preparation
- Networking strategies
- Salary negotiation
- Workplace advocacy and understanding reasonable accommodations
A CRC working within or alongside a private coaching model can provide added value by ensuring that any disability-related needs, functional limitations, or accommodation considerations are addressed appropriately and legally.
Private career coaching is especially beneficial for:
- Individuals changing careers or entering the workforce
- People returning to work after a gap (e.g., injury, caregiving, or legal involvement)
- Individuals with situational or temporary barriers
- Those seeking professional development or advancement
These services are typically paid out of pocket and are not covered by public funding.
Placement Services (State Vocational Rehabilitation)
For individuals who require more structured, hands-on support, Placement Services funded through state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs may be appropriate.
These services are provided at no cost to eligible individuals and are designed to support job seekers with documented disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. A CRC plays a central role in this process by determining eligibility, assessing needs, and coordinating services.
Typical phases include:
- Application and eligibility determination with a VR agency
- Assignment to a job coach or employment specialist
- Collaborative job search, including resume development and interview preparation
- Job placement and short-term on-the-job support
- Case closure once stability and independence are achieved
CRCs are essential throughout this process. They ensure that services are tailored to the individual, that appropriate accommodations are identified, and that the employment goal aligns with the person’s abilities and interests.
Placement services are ideal for:
- Individuals with disabilities who need structured job search support
- Transition-age youth entering the workforce
- Veterans adjusting to civilian employment
- Individuals who may require workplace accommodations
These services are funded through federal and state programs such as the Vocational Rehabilitation program under the Rehabilitation Act (Rehabilitation Services Administration [RSA], n.d.).
Supported Employment (SEMP)
For individuals who need ongoing support to maintain employment, Supported Employment offers a more comprehensive, long-term solution.
Unlike placement services, which end after stabilization, Supported Employment provides continuous access to job coaching and support. This may include regular check-ins, assistance with workplace challenges, and ongoing advocacy.
A CRC is especially critical in Supported Employment because:
- They help transition individuals from short-term VR services to long-term funding sources (such as Medicaid waivers)
- They provide guidance on complex decisions, including disclosure of disability and accommodation requests
- They support both the individual and the employer in maintaining a successful working relationship
Supported Employment is beneficial for individuals who:
- Experience fluctuating support needs
- Have a history of difficulty maintaining employment
- Benefit from ongoing coaching and problem-solving support
These services are often funded through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and administered through state agencies such as developmental disability or mental health systems (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], n.d.).
Additional State-Specific Services and Pre-Employment Options
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
In addition to the services outlined above, many states offer early-stage supports through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These options are especially helpful for individuals who are not quite ready to start a job yet but want to begin building skills, gaining experience, and exploring different career paths (Rehabilitation Services Administration [RSA], n.d.; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], n.d.).
One common starting point is Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which are offered through VR programs. These services are typically designed for students and young adults with disabilities who are just beginning to think about work. Pre-ETS can include activities such as learning about different types of jobs, participating in short-term work experiences, practicing workplace skills, and building confidence to speak up for your needs (RSA, n.d.). A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) plays an important role here by helping you understand what services are available, guiding you through the process, and making sure everything you’re doing connects to your long-term goals.
Pre-vocational services (Pre-Voc)
For individuals who need more hands-on or ongoing support, HCBS waiver programs may offer pre-vocational services. These services focus on building basic skills that are important for any job, such as communicating with others, managing time, completing tasks, and understanding workplace expectations (CMS, n.d.). These programs can be a helpful step before moving into supported or competitive employment.
Getting started with HCBS services can sometimes feel complicated, as it often involves applications, eligibility requirements, and possible waitlists. This is another area where working with a CRC can make a big difference. A CRC can help explain the process in simple terms, assist with paperwork, and connect you with the right programs and providers.
Together, VR pre-employment services and HCBS supports create a pathway to build skills and confidence at your own pace. With the guidance of a CRC, you can better understand your options, make informed decisions, and take meaningful steps toward employment that fits your strengths and goals.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is designed for individuals whose primary barrier to employment is mental health. IPS emphasizes rapid job placement and integrates employment services with mental health treatment. IPS programs are available in all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Washington, D.C., though availability and program structure may vary by state and local mental health systems.
CRCs involved in IPS ensure that employment goals align with clinical supports and that individuals receive coordinated, person-centered care.
(Bond, Drake, & Becker, 2020)
Customized Employment
Customized Employment is a highly individualized approach for individuals who face significant barriers to traditional employment. This option is typically considered when standard job search methods, placement services, or supported employment have not resulted in successful or sustainable outcomes. It is especially appropriate for individuals whose skills, support needs, or work preferences do not align well with existing job descriptions or typical hiring practices. This may include individuals with significant disabilities, complex support needs, limited work history, or those who benefit from highly structured or task-specific roles.
Customized employment involves a process often referred to as “discovery,” where a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or employment specialist works closely with the individual to identify strengths, interests, ideal working conditions, and support needs. Based on this information, the CRC collaborates with employers to negotiate job duties, schedules, or environments that match the individual’s abilities while also meeting the employer’s business needs. This approach may result in job carving (modifying an existing role), job creation (developing a new role), or restructuring tasks within a workplace.
Customized employment is particularly valuable when an individual requires a non-traditional pathway to employment, benefits from a highly personalized work environment, or needs ongoing collaboration between support providers and employers to ensure long-term success.
Customized Employment services are available in many states across the U.S., often through state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies or Medicaid-funded programs. Availability and implementation can vary by state, but this approach is commonly supported in states such as California, New York, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Individuals interested in Customized Employment should contact their local VR office or a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) to determine availability and eligibility in their specific state.
CRCs play a leading role in:
- Conducting vocational assessments and discovery
- Engaging employers and negotiating job duties
- Providing long-term follow-along support
This approach is particularly effective for individuals with significant disabilities who benefit from tailored job opportunities.
(U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.)
For Every Individual, a CRC can guide your Employment Journey
Navigating employment support services is an empowering opportunity to take control of your career journey. By understanding your options, you are better equipped to make informed decisions that align with your goals, strengths, and personal circumstances. Whether you choose minimal guidance or more comprehensive, long-term support, there is a path forward that can help you succeed.
Across all levels of support, the involvement of a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) can further strengthen your ability to make confident, informed choices. CRCs offer specialized knowledge in disability, employment law, counseling, and workforce development, helping you identify opportunities and strategies that support both your independence and long-term success.
If you are unsure where to begin, reaching out to a CRC in your area can be a powerful first step. With the right guidance and resources, you can shape your own path and move forward with confidence toward meaningful employment.
About the Author
Jillian Snyder is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) through the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC). She holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University at Buffalo. With more than 22 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and over a decade of specialized experience in vocational career coaching, she focuses on guiding individuals through employment systems, facilitating the identification of meaningful career paths, and promoting long-term success in the workforce.
References
Bond, G. R., Drake, R. E., & Becker, D. R. (2020). An update on Individual Placement and Support. World Psychiatry, 19(3), 390–391.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
National Career Development Association. (n.d.). Find a career professional.
Rehabilitation Services Administration. (n.d.). Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Customized employment.
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