Enhanced Vocational Rehabilitation [EVR] (as compared to Community Connections Individual Placement and Support (IPS))

EVR provided a vocational counselor who helped place participants with rehabilitation agencies. The vocational counselor regularly monitored participants to ensure a good fit between the participant and rehabilitation agency. All rehabilitation agencies involved with EVR had the goal of gradually preparing individuals for competitive employment through a stepped approach of prevocational experiences that primarily consisted of paid work adjustment training in a sheltered workshop.

Promotor Pathway Program

Intervention (standard name)

Participants in the Promotor Pathway Program were paired with a “Promotor” who provided intensive, long-term case management services, mentorship, and advocacy. Promotors also provided referrals to services internal and external to the LAYC, based on participants’ needs. All Promotor Pathway Program participants had access to standard LAYC services during this intervention. Promotor Pathway Program services were typically provided for 15 months. This intervention was delivered at existing LAYC sites located in Washington, DC, and Langley Park, Riverdale, and Silver Spring, MD.

Community Connections Individual Placement and Support (IPS) (as compared to Enhanced Vocational Rehabilitation [EVR])

IPS gave people ongoing support to find work based on their own preferences, a vocational assessment, and job development. Employment specialists gave individualized support to participants as well as counseling and help with transportation. There was no time limit on IPS services; employment support was given as needed. IPS was provided to unemployed individuals who were living in an urban neighborhood that was low income and who had severe mental disorders that kept them from finding employment for at least two years.

Job Corps

Intervention (standard name)

Job Corps provided education, training, and health services in a one-stop residential setting. The Job Corps education component was individualized and self-paced, and it included GED preparation and education about home and family living as well as remedial, consumer, driver, and health education. The vocational training component was also individualized and self-paced, and it included training in a range of trades, such as business, clerical, health, construction, culinary arts, building and apartment maintenance, and other vocations.