title: Separation from supported employment: a retrospective chart review study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to examine job separations from supported employment (SE). The aim was to identify the types and nature of separations and precipitating events leading to the separation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review methodology was utilized. The study was conducted in a metropolitan area in the Southeast United States by a university-based SE program. Participants were 47 SE clients who had been placed into and separated from 67 jobs. Using a coding form, information regarding the type of separation and issues that preceded the separation were recorded. Data were aggregated using descriptive statistics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The largest number of separations was due to termination, followed by resignation and mutual consent of the employer and employee. The mean number of issues leading to the separation was 2.2, ranging from one to five. Only eight positive issues were found (compared to 116 negative and 20 neutral), the most prevalent being entry into an educational or training program. Common negative issues included poor work performance, attendance and punctuality problems, conflicts with the supervisor, and social and behavioral issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study illustrate the need to address job retention issues during the job development process, finding the most appropriate person-job fit and workplace culture for each client. The findings also support the need for vigilant and regular communication between the SE program and employers to intervene quickly when problems arise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Separation from Supported Employment (SE) SE is an evidence-based employment practice that has been shown effective across multiple disability groups. Studying job separations can provide valuable information for improving service. Locating the best person-job fit, as well as frequent contract with employers, can help prevent unnecessary job loss.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Targett
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wehman
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cifu
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015144:Southeastern United States; D017132:Workplace
keywords: Autism; cognitive disabilities; job separation; learning disabilities; supported employment