Date of Award

4-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Bil Leipold

Second Supervisor

Janice Kelly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to inquire about the perceived success of a supported employment (SE) type model that assists individuals in obtaining and sustaining competitive employment more rapidly than traditional employment models. Using semi-structured interview questions, the researcher interviewed program administrators at community-based organizations (CBOs) who directly use the SE model with individuals they serve in their employment programs. A variation of the original SE model, which was influenced by supporting individuals with mental health issues in attaining and sustaining employment, was used in this study with participants associated with CBOs. The theoretical frameworks that guided this study were resilience theory, adult learning theory, and psychoanalytic theory of psychosocial development. The study found that the CBOs comprehensively support employment models, which include components that have goals, objectives, and outcomes that were measured for success. The CBOs conducted timely program reviews that identified areas of continuous improvement, constantly ensuring the programs implemented provided benefits to the participants and were in line with the CBOs’ missions. The CBOs SE model programs to deliver skills and education training to prepare the participants for entry, or return to, sustainable employment. These programs also offered mental health services for the participants in need of these services. The CBOs serviced all genders, ethnic groups, socioeconomic statuses and age groups, 18 years and older, without discrimination to vulnerable populations in the communities they served. However, the education or skill set needs and job attainment outcomes were minimally captured for the 40 to 65-year-old age group.

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