Supported Employment Services

Genacta’s Supported Employment Program

Genacta is a certified provider of supported employment in Alaska.

Supported Employment:
Good for Clients and Alaska

Every person with a disability is capable of working competitively in the community if the right kind of job and work environment can be found. As individuals succeed in working in the community, their self-perceptions often change, and they view themselves as workers and contributors to society. Many individuals are experiencing recovery from mental illness by acquiring employment. Furthermore, as people in the community see individuals with disabilities working, individuals are less stigmatized for their individual challenges, and they become more socially accepted. Supported employment is a successful approach that has been used in various settings by culturally diverse individuals, employment specialists, and practitioners.

This particular program does not include work performed in sheltered workshops or specialized vocational facilities. Genacta’s Supported Employment program emphasizes gainful employment in integrated work settings.

Genacta’s Results-Oriented Approach

The emphasis in supported employment programs is on helping individuals finds jobs paying competitive wages in integrated settings (i.e., with others who don’t necessarily have a disability) in the community. In contrast to other approaches to vocational rehabilitation, Genacta’s Supported Employment de-emphasizes prevocational training, and puts a premium on rapid job search, attainment, and continued employment. Genacta’s Supported Employment services offer individuals help finding and keeping jobs that capitalize on their current personal strengths and motivations. We look for a natural “fit” between the client’s strengths & experiences and a job in the community.

Genacta’s Individual Approach to Supported Employment

Individuals with disabilities differ from one another in terms of the types of work they prefer, the nature of the support they want, and the decision whether to disclose their disability to the employer or co-workers. Genacta respects these individual preferences and tailors our Supported Employment services accordingly. Individuals who are interested in work are not prevented from participating in Supported Employment, regardless of their psychiatric diagnosis, symptoms, work history, or other problems, including substance abuse and cognitive impairment.