Supported Employment
Work as a pathway to dignity and inclusion
We at Chimes Israel believe that work plays a central role in adult life. Employment provides structure, independence, and a sense of contribution. Supported employment enables adults with disabilities to realize their abilities, develop a vocational identity, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Every person deserves the opportunity to participate in the workforce with the support they need.
What supported employment means
Supported employment places individuals with disabilities in real jobs within the open labor market while providing professional guidance before, during, and after placement. Support adapts to both the individual and the workplace, allowing employees to succeed while meeting employer expectations. As skills and confidence grow, support adjusts accordingly, promoting independence and long-term stability.
Partnerships with employers
We work closely with companies, entrepreneurs, and business owners to create work placements that benefit everyone involved. Employees gain meaningful and advancing work opportunities, while employers benefit from reliable, motivated workers who meet quality and productivity standards. Program staff provide guidance to employers as needed, supporting effective communication and successful integration.
Individual supported employment
Through our individual supported employment program, approximately 130 adults work in private and public workplaces across Israel’s Central and Sharon regions. Placements span a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, packaging, logistics, retail, hospitality, mailing services, cafés, and elder care. Each placement aligns with the individual’s abilities, interests, and goals, and reflects real labor market demands.
Participants receive personalized preparation and ongoing support from a rehabilitative placement coordinator. This includes interview preparation, workplace behavior, skill development, and navigating public transportation. Coordinators remain involved throughout employment, intervening when needed and gradually reducing support as independence grows.
Group employment and industrial rehabilitation
Some participants engage in supported employment through group placements, often referred to as industrial rehabilitation. In this framework, small groups work together in open market workplaces under an employer-employee relationship, with onsite support from a Chimes rehabilitative instructor during all working hours. Approximately 60 participants currently work in group placements across Israel, benefiting from shared structure, peer support, and consistent professional guidance.
Building vocational identity
Supported employment may also include pre-vocational training that combines learning with hands-on work experience. This stage helps individuals explore interests, build work habits, and develop a vocational identity before entering long-term employment. The process respects personal choice and recognizes that readiness develops over time.
Our professional team
Havazelet Amrami
Manager, Continuum of Employment Services, Treatment, and Training for Adults
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Havatzelet has over 35 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and humanities, and a master’s degree in public policy.
Maxim Tapiro
Professional Manager for Employment and Community Training
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Maxim has over 24 years of experience working with people with disabilities with an emphasis on community employment integration. He is a certified therapist with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and humanities.
