An Analysis of the Rehabilitation Service Administration 911 Supported and Customized Employment Outcome Data for Fiscal Years 2017–2020

Supported employment (SE) and customized employment (CE) are vocational rehabilitation services designed to assist job seekers with significant disabilities to find meaningful competitive integrated employment. We conducted an analysis of Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA-911) data for fiscal years 2017–2020 to determine the outcomes at the exit for individuals receiving SE and CE services. Specifically, we examined (a) what occupations, according to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, are individuals obtaining after exiting from state vocational rehabilitation SE and CE services, (b) if there is a difference in occupational types at the exit for individuals who receive SE and CE services, (c) if there is a difference in hourly wages and hours worked at the exit for individuals who receive SE and CE services, and (d) if there are differences in wages, after controlling for sex and race at exit for SE and CE service recipients. Results indicated most individuals receiving SE and CE services exit into three broad SOC code categories: Food preparation and servicing related, office and administrative support, and building grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations. Proportional differences suggest that individuals receiving CE are exploring a wider range of occupations compared with SE. There was a significant difference in wages between SE and CE but no difference in hours worked between SE and CE service recipients.