What is the Supported Employment Program?
Our Supported Employment Program in Maryland helps adults and transition-age youth with mental health and behavioral health challenges find competitive, community-based employment and build sustainable careers. We focus on the whole person — combining vocational services (job discovery, placement, and on-the-job coaching) with integrated mental health therapy so participants can address symptoms, build coping skills, and thrive at work.
Who We Serve
- Maryland residents ages 18 and up who experience mental illness, behavioral health conditions, or co-occurring substance use disorders.
- Individua(s)s receiving community mental health services, returning citizens, teens transitioning from school to work, and others who want job support plus clinical therapy.
- Employers seeking supported placements and workplace accommodations.
Program Components
- Individualized Vocational Assessment & Career PlanningWe identify strengths, work preferences, transferrable skills, and realistic career goals — then build a tailored employment plan.
- Job Development & Employer EngagementStaff actively seek job leads, match participants to roles, conduct employer outreach, and negotiate reasonable accommodations.
- Rapid Job Search & Competitive PlacementWe prioritize quick, competitive placements in integrated community jobs (not sheltered or subminimum wage positions).
- On-the-Job Coaching & Job Retention SupportsJob coaches provide onsite and remote coaching, help with skill building, workplace problem solving, and employer communication.
- Integrated Mental Health Therapy (core support)Licensed clinicians provide individual and/or group therapy aligned with vocational goals. Therapy includes symptom management, stress reduction, trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and workplace social skills.
- Benefits Counseling & Financial PlanningHelp understanding how wages, benefits, SSDI/SSI, and healthcare interact — so participants can make informed choices about work.
- Peer Support & Work Readiness WorkshopsPeer specialists and workshops (resume writing, interviewing, time management, workplace etiquette).
How Mental Health Therapy is Integrated
Therapy is not separate — it’s embedded into the employment pathway. Clinicians collaborate with employment specialists to:
- Prepare participants for interview and workplace stressors.
- Create individualized symptom-management plans tied to job tasks.
- Provide rapid, short-term interventions after workplace crises or changes.
- Teach ongoing coping strategies (e.g., grounding, CBT for anxiety at work, emotion regulation).
- Coordinate with prescribers, case managers, and community services for continuity of care.
This integration increases job retention, reduces work-related relapse, and supports career advancement.
Outcomes We Target
- Successful placement in competitive employment.
- Sustained employment (3, 6, 12 months and beyond).
- Improved mental-health symptom management and functioning at work.
- Increased income, independence, and community integration.
- Higher self-confidence and career development.
Program Eligibility & How to Apply
Eligibility: Maryland resident, age 18+, experiencing mental health or behavioral health challenges, motivated to work.
Referral & intake: Self-referral, family, clinical provider, school, or community partner. Intake includes vocational assessment, clinical screening, and consent for coordinated services.
Why Choose Us
- Dual-trained teams (employment specialists and licensed clinicians).
- Individualized plans that respect career goals and clinical needs.
- Strong employer relationships across Maryland.
- Emphasis on rapid placement and long-term retention.
- Trauma-informed, stigma-free approach with peer support.
Employer Partnerships
We partner with Maryland employers to create supportive placements, provide staff training on accommodations, and maintain open communication to ensure successful matches.
Contact Us:
If you’re ready to embark on your journey to employment, we invite you to explore the New Day New Start Supported Employment Program. Together, we can create a brighter and more promising future through meaningful work and personal growth.