PDG Rehabilitation Services is an Evidence-Based Practice SupportedEmployment Program provider.  It was designed to provide evidence-based services to the severely mentally ill population.  Employment searches for consumers are based on his or her strengths and interests, and allow for SEP services to be integrated into the consumer's psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation.

Funding comes from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Services are provided at no cost to consumers. 

Referrals for the Supported Employment Program come from a wide variety of sources. Referrals can come from a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, substance abuse counselor, DORS counselor, family member, community resource center, or directly from the individual! As long as qualifying documentation is provided or can be obtained, PDG can provide services. The referral process is quick and easy. The referral form is only one page, which can be found in the referral section of this website.

A mental health diagnosis that is severe and persistent, as well as the desire to work!  The individual must be connected to a mental health care provider in order to qualify for services, as a recent, accurate mental health diagnosis is required to qualify for Supported Employment Services. The mental illness must be the primary diagnosis; however PDG also works with individuals who are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. 

The Division of Rehabilitation Services [DORS] is Maryland's State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. DORS will connect you to resources and provide funding for much needed services and materials, ranging from Supported Employment and Job Coaching Services to clothing and transportation services. DORS can also perform Career Assessments in order to assist you in identifying your strengths and skills, as well as aptitudes for employment. DORS counselors provide a wealth of knowledge and resources which we will use to assist you in obtaining competitive employment in the community.

No. PDG Rehabilitation Services is not a staffing agency. The goal of the Supported Employment Program is to obtain competitive employment in the individual's local community in a position/field in which s/he expresses an interest. As a result, PDG staff will assist individuals with identifying strengths and interests, searching employment opportunities and applying for positions for which anyone, anywhere can apply. 

The time length is different for everyone. The success of each individual in the program relies heavily on the person. PDG Rehabilitation Services provides services tailored to the abilities and skills of each individual. If individuals are unable to use a computer to search and apply for employment, our staff will assist in this task, as well as train individuals on those skills necessary to do this independently. The individual and staff person work together as a team. The individuals actively participating in job development activities will result in reducing the time from enrolling in the program to becoming gainfully employed. 

PDG Rehabilitation Services will continue to work with individuals for as long as is necessary. The service is not time limited and can be a lifelong service. The program is voluntary and can be ended at any time; however PDG Rehabilitation Services Staff will encourage individuals to continue to utilize the service for as long as is needed, as unexpected issues may arise after obtaining employment and PDG staff can assist in resolving these issues. ?

The main requirement is that individuals must express an interest in or a desire to work and maintain employment. We require that individuals enroll in DORS services as they provide funding for our program and are a valuable vocational resource we will utilize frequently. Our staff is more than willing to assist in connecting people to this resource.

Supported Employment Services are provided in the community. It is never required that consumers visit our offices. PDG staff will work with consumers in the community, and utilize readily available resources, such as public libraries and One Stop Career Centers, which are located nationwide. Once employed, services will continue to be provided. Consumers have the option of job coaching services being provided on or off of the work site. On-site services, which each consumer determines individually based on their needs and barriers, can include contact with supervisors, assistance with on-the-job training, and conflict resolution/mediation on the job. Similar services can be provided off-site, although these require a more active role on the part of the consumer, as the role of the staff person will be more passive when services are provided off-site.

PDG Rehabilitation Services also offers the Intensive Employment Training Program (IET). The goal of the IET is to transform a consumer's underlying behaviors that may cause a lack of employment success. Behaviors may include inadequate social or cognitive skills. The program combines classroom instruction and community based work trials, followed by individualized job development.  PDG Rehabilitation also offers Employment Assistance, Retention and Job Coaching programs. These services are designed for consumers who are ready for employment, but require assistance with the application process, formulating resumes and honing interviewing skills. Once employed, PDG staff will work with the consumer for 90 days during the most critical adjustment period in order to aid consumers in extending job retention.