Rocket science 101: what supported employment specialists need to know about systematic instruction

As the number of people with severe disabilities receiving supported employment services increases, so do the ‘calls’ for improving services through the use of natural supports, co-worker supports, expanding employer capacity, consumer-driven services, self-instruction and self-management. While each of these strategies impacts service delivery, they also have direct implications for preparing individuals to be supported employment specialists. This article describes the skills and competencies needed by supported employment specialists in the area of job training and support which can be divided into two major roles: (1) training, which includes teaching job skills using systematic instruction; and (2) consultant, which includes teaching others how to provide workplace supports for both job-related and social interaction skills.