Customized Employment
Strategic Service Delivery Component
Disability Employment Initiative
1
The following chart highlights the core elements associated with this
service delivery component and includes the names of the states that
will be implementing this approach:
Access the following link to learn what each DEI project proposed in their statement
of work around this component: http://dei-ideas.org/chapter2-1/page4a_ce.cfm
Customized Employment

Customized Employment is an Initiative that was
established by the Department of Labor’s Office of
Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) as a way to build the
capacity of the workforce investment systems to serve all
customers, including those with disabilities.
 The strategies developed as a result of this initiative were
designed to assist all customers who have complex needs
and may require more individual assistance to achieve their
employment goals.
 The Customized Employment Initiative also focused on
incorporating universal strategies into all aspects of
workforce services.
Customized Employment

The customized employment process is a flexible blend of
strategies, services, and supports designed to increase
employment options for job seekers with complex needs
through voluntary negotiation of the employment
relationship.

The job seeker is the primary source of information and
drives the customized employment process.
Customized Employment Basics

Customized Employment seeks to individualize the
relationship between the job seeker and the employer.
 The primary components that the Customized Employment
process typically include are:
 Non traditional Assessment or what is referred to as
job seeker exploration or discovery – which is the
foundation for customized employment.
 Development of an individual profile
 Job Carving/Negotiation/Customization of Tasks
 Supported Employment (when appropriate)
 Shared Employment Alliance
Job Seeker Exploration

Job Seeker exploration is the foundation of the Customized
Employment Process. Exploration can be accomplished in
a number of ways:
 Engagement in a process of self exploration that is
facilitated by others that involves answering questions,
and reflecting on ideas and past experiences and
identifying personal issues and challenges.
 Others may choose to participate in a group setting or
job club for shared exploration.
 Or those with significant complexities may benefit from a
facilitated discovery, which includes a process in which
a professional, family member or friend spends the
necessary time with the job seeker to understand the job
seeker’s strengths, needs and preferences.
Development of an Individual
Profile

Through the process of exploration, as described in the
prior slide, job seekers express their dreams, goals,
personal preferences, life experiences and needs, all of
which lead to the creation of an individualized career profile
that:
 Details the job seeker’s strengths, needs and interests
 Develops a task list proposal for employers
 Directs the development of the Customized Employment
relationship with Employers.
 Identifies potential employers to be contacted.
 Outlines the supports necessary for employment to be
successful.
Job Carving/Negotiation/Customization of
Tasks

Negotiating with Employers is a critical step in Customized
Employment. The steps involved in this task include but
aren’t limited to the following:
 Get to know the Job Seeker (Exploration and Discovery)
 Get to know Employers
 Find Negotiation Points (The Individual Profile can help
with this)
 Identify Employers
 Get your foot in the door
 Use the negotiation points
 Present the employment Proposal
 Negotiate for Employer Gain.
Customized Employment: Supported
Employment

Sometimes after going through the job seeker exploration
process and/or discovery it is determined that Supported
Employment might be the most appropriate option.

In this case, the advocates can work closely with the
employer to detail and create the best supported
employment situation for the job seeker.
Shared Employment Alliance

Customized Employment is about creating a Shared
Employment Alliance that provides an avenue to
employment for any job seeker who feels that traditional job
search methods do not meet their needs.

Customized Employment means individualizing the
relationship between job seekers and employers in ways
that meet the needs of both. It is based on an individualized
determination of the strengths, requirements, and interests
of a person with a complex life. The process is designed to
meet the workplace needs of the employer and the discrete
tasks of the position. When a customized relationship is
developed, a shared employment alliance results.
For More Information

For more information on Customized Employment, access:

ODEP’s website dedicated to information on
Customized Employment and Flexible Work
Arrangements
http://www.dol.gov/odep/CE-FWA/

National Center on Workforce and Disability website
dedicated to information on Customized Employment
http://www.onestops.info/category.php?cat_id=1