The Oregon Supported Employment Center for Excellence (OSECE)

Providing evidence-based approaches for people with developmental disabilities and/or mental health challenges to reach employment goals

About OSECE
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mentor and mentee working in warehouse setting

The Oregon Supported Employment Center for Excellence (OSECE) helps people living with serious mental illness find and keep meaningful education and employment. Based at Portland State University and funded by the Oregon Health Authority, OSECE supports employment programs across the state through training, hands-on guidance, and quality reviews that are grounded in Individual Placement and Support (IPS), a proven approach that helps people build financial independence, a sense of purpose, and the skills to thrive on their own terms.

Work [wûrk]:
(noun, verb)

Most effective known treatment for serious mental illness

Upcoming Trainings on Supported Employment

OSECE TA Call June 2026 (Afternoon)

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IPS 101 June 2026

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OSECE TA Call July 2026 (Morning)

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The Value of Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

While
67%
of people with serious mental illness want to work...

...only
15%
of people with serious mental illness are actually employed.

The IPS model is
2x - 3x
more effective at employment placements than other approaches.

See the Evidence »

Flagship Supported Employment Resources

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