BACKGROUND: Before 1993, vocational rehabilitation services in Hong Kong mainly adopted a prevocational training approach at the outset, before placing people with disabilities in competitive employment. In order to improve outcomes, particularly the rates of employment and job retention, supported employment (SE) was introduced and later endorsed by the Rehabilitation Development Coordinating Committee in 1995. OBJECTIVE: SE is a vocational rehabilitation method based on the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. It promotes high levels of integration with the clinical team to help people with disabilities obtain and maintain community-based competitive employment in their chosen occupation. METHODS: This paper presents a review of literature on supported employment services for people with mental disabilities in Hong Kong and the growth since its development. RESULTS: Results of local studies provide evidence that SE, although originally developed in the United States, is generalizable to Hong Kong. CONCLUSION: This article describes the development of SE in Hong Kong and the challenges of implementing it in a local context. Finally, it presents ideas for the future direction of SE in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Young people recovering from drug addiction often face challenges in returning to the job market and in maintaining their jobs. Many of them feel they have no choice but to do entry-level work, and they are often unsure about their work ability and vocational choice. OBJECTIVE: In collaboration with a youth outreach service, this study aims to provide a package of vocational assessment, guidance, and support for these clients. METHODS: Using a strength-based case management framework, we conducted a comprehensive vocational evaluation for each participant (N = 17), which covered self-perception of abilities, work and occupational interests, work readiness, work-related self-efficacy, and work aptitudes. We presented assessment results to each client and provided guidance on their education, training, or vocational choice. RESULTS: The results of aptitude tests indicate that most participants can cope with an entry-level job. Many participants are strong in jobs that require quick decision-making, sorting, assembly, and clerical tasks, but many are weak in fine manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination. Many participants preferred jobs that are creative, indefinite, and autonomous in nature. CONCLUSION: Longer-term vocational counseling and coaching is needed to help clients make vocational choices and extend their job tenure. Many clients will also need training in job seeking and job maintenance skills.