Social Inclusion & Vocational Rehabilitation

Our Foundation’s Supported Employment Service, “ErgAxia” (combining the Greek words for Work and Value), actively promotes the equal inclusion of individuals with intellectual developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders into the open labor market. Implementing the evidence-based Supported Employment model since 1996, the service has successfully placed 300 individuals across 240 different jobs to date.

The Supported Employment Process

The journey toward employment is structured through a precise, 6-step framework designed to secure long-term success and sustainability for both the employee and the employer.

1. Expression of Interest: The framework is initiated when the individual and their family formally express their desire to work. A mutual agreement is signed, outlining expectations and defining the collaboration with the assigned Job Coach.
2. Professional Profiling: The Job Coach conducts comprehensive interviews with the candidate, their family, and their vocational instructors. The goal is to build a detailed professional profile that matches the individual’s unique strengths, skills, and personal career aspirations.
3. Targeted Job Searching & Analysis: The Job Coach actively networks with prospective employers. Once a potential opening is identified, a thorough Job Analysis is performed to meticulously map out the specific requirements, tasks, and dynamics of the workplace environment.
4. Preparation & Matching: The employer, candidate, and family are fully briefed on all logistical and operational aspects. The Job Coach then systematically matches the candidate’s professional profile against the job analysis to ensure the right person is placed in the right position.
5. Placement & On-the-Job Training: The employee steps into their new workplace. The Job Coach provides intensive, direct on-the-job training, guiding the employee through their daily responsibilities until they fully adapt to their tasks.
6. Continuous Support & Retention: Our support does not end with placement. The Job Coach provides ongoing, long-term supervision and mentorship to the employee, while simultaneously supporting the employer and co-workers to ensure a smooth, harmonious, and productive working relationship.

Post-Recruitment Employer Support: Beyond our core matching process, “ErgAxia” also offers specialized on-demand support and job coaching for individuals with disabilities who have already been independently hired by companies, upon official request from the businesses.