Critical strategies for implementing supported employment.

Objective: This paper provides a review of experiences by six states and the District of Columbia in disseminating an evidence-based practice, supported employment (SE). Each jurisdiction had unique strengths and barriers to overcome to effectively implement supported employment services for people with severe mental illness. Methods: Using a case study approach seven jurisdictions report special aspects surrounding the implementation of evidence-based supported employment. Results: Diverse strategies were used to augment implementation of supported employment services: a) Instituting state-level administrative procedures and reconfiguration of local staffing to enhance collaboration between mental health and vocational rehabilitation; b) Promoting SE services through the media, on-line training, and training by early adopters; c) Hiring benefits specialists; d) Teaching outcome-based supervision; and e) Building capacity for supported employment fidelity reviews. Conclusions: Dissemination of evidenced-based supported employment was enhanced when six states and the District of Columbia addressed special aspects. Supported employment implementation included different pathways to good employment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]