Supported Employment (SE)

If a Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) consumer with a mental illness has a desire to work, a broad range of services are provided through the agency’s Supported Employment (SE) program, an evidence-based practice. Located at 1901 Maple Road in Saginaw, a six-person team of employees focuses on helping consumers get competitive jobs in community settings with other people who don’t necessarily have disabilities and provides the supports necessary to make sure they do well at work.

Rollin “Rocky” Archangeli has supervised the program since September 2020, and he has worked at SCCMHA from 1993 to 2003 and 2005 to the present. He oversees a team of four Specialists and a Benefit to Work Coach who currently serves about 70 clients.

“We don’t turn anyone down,” Archangeli said. “There is no waiting list. We’re dedicated to helping our clients reach their potential. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll definitely get the rewards. We truly believe that every person with a disability can work competitively in the community if the right job fit and work setting are found.”

Once a consumer is referred to SE, the individual participates in an orientation, receiving information on what to expect in the process, and is assigned a specialist, who does a vocational assessment. The specialist asks questions to determine what type of jobs the individual is interested in, and assistance may be provided in developing a resume, working on interview skills, setting up email addresses and online accounts, and anything else needed to prepare the job candidate. All opportunities for employment are pursued, and SE provides unlimited follow-up to make sure the consumer is successful in the job.

For more information on Supported Employment, contact SCCMHA at 800-258-8678.

We understand that work is an important part of most people's lives. Having a job provides income to cover living expenses, increases life-satisfaction and feelings of self-worth, provides socialization opportunities, gives us a sense of belonging and improves emotional well-being. Our Employment Services program will help you find meaningful work that will enhance your quality of life!

What we do:

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) follows the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model of Supported Employment. Our dedicated team of professionals work one-on-one with customers to help them find the job of their choice. As a customer of our Employment Services Program, you will work with a Supported Employment Specialist (SES) every step of the way on your journey to employment. First, we will meet with you to get to know you and complete a Vocational Assessment. After that we will help you create a professional looking resume and create job search accounts (email address creation, job search site accounts, etc.). After that the search for work begins. This can be as soon as your first meeting with a SES! We will provide assistance with completing and submitting applications both online and in the community. We will talk to employers to help you find the job that is the best fit for you. We conduct "mock" interviews to assist with interviewing skills, and we address transportation issues. We have a Benefit to Work Coach who can help you understand the ins-and-outs of working while receiving benefits. We help with budgeting. We have a Certified Peer Support Specialist that will work side-by-side with you during your journey to employment. We provide job coaching and other follow-along services for as long as you want.

Who we serve:

SCCMHA Supported Employment Services are open to all adults receiving mental health services from our extended provider network.

Who we are:

Our employment services team consists of:

  • Supported Employment Specialists (SES)
  • Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
  • Benefit to Work Coach (B2WC)
  • Program Supervisor

Our process:

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) was developed over 20 years ago and has been studied extensively. It has been shown to have the most positive outcomes over other models of Supported Employment and is considered a best practice, or "EBP". Our services are proved under the 8 guiding principles of IPS. Those principles are:

  • Competitive Employment - real jobs in the community that pay at least minimum wage and are permanent.
  • Systematic Job Development - we regularly talk to employers to find out where the jobs are.
  • Rapid Job Search - we know your desire to work is important and we will help you right away.
  • Integrated Services - Our program is part of the mental health system, so we work alongside you and your CMH worker to help to keep everybody on the same path to success!
  • Benefits Planning - Are you concerned about working while receiving Social Security? We have a Benefit to Work Coach to help you navigate the sometimes-murky waters of working while receiving benefits.
  • Zero Exclusion - If you are in services within our network and want to work - we can help you! Nobody gets turned down.
  • Time Unlimited Supports - Once you get a job, we will continue to work with you to help you succeed in the job until you no longer want or need our assistance.
  • Worker Preferences - Our services are based on our preferences, choices, and needs. You decide the course of our services and we will help put your wishes into action.

How to access Supported Employment Services:

If you are currently in services, speak with your Case Manager or other CMH worker and let them know you are interested in working.

Referral Process/Eligibility:

A referral can be made by your CMH worker directly to our program. You can also self-refer by reaching out to the SE Program Supervisor and ask to receive employment assistance at (989) 797-3489.

ISP Supported Employment Works!

Click here to see Success Stories of clients who have been through our program.

Outcomes/Data:

Coming soon