As a supported employment partner, you’ll play a key role in helping young people aged 16-24 with a learning disability and/or who are autistic develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to succeed in the workplace. Your expertise ensures interns receive the personalised support they need to achieve sustained paid employment.
Why become a supported employment partner?
By joining the partnership, you will:
Transform lives through employment
Support young people to gain the skills and confidence to move into meaningful paid work.
Use your specialist expertise
Use evidence-based supported employment approaches to help interns succeed in real workplaces.
Build local partnerships
Work alongside employers, education provisions and local authorities to improve employment outcomes.
Promote inclusive workplaces
Help employers develop the confidence, knowledge and practices needed to support a diverse workforce.
What’s involved?
As the supported employment provider, you’ll provide specialist knowledge to advise on reasonable adjustments and how to best support young people. You’ll help to provide personalised job coaching and workplace support throughout the supported internship programme. You’ll also work closely with the host business and education partner to ensure interns develop the skills, independence and confidence needed to progress towards paid employment.
How does it work?
You’ll provide on-site job coaching during each of the three work rotations, supporting interns to learn job tasks, build workplace skills and become independent. You’ll also advise managers and mentors, contribute to regular reviews and help identify suitable paid employment opportunities as interns progress through the programme.
What support do supported employment providers receive?
You’ll be part of a collaborative partnership with the host business, education provision and local authority. You’ll receive access to the established DFN Project SEARCH model, guidance, shared resources and ongoing collaboration to support successful programme delivery and positive employment outcomes. Our expert team will be on hand to support you and the rest of the partnership, with a dedicated DFN Project SEARCH Programme Specialist there to offer advice and guidance every step of the way.
Interested in becoming a supported employment partner?
Partner with us to help young people realise their potential while creating more inclusive workplaces and stronger communities.