TRAINING FOR SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS AND THEIR SUPERVISORS -IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT TRAINING TOPICS

A 20-state survey of supported employment personnel was conducted to i dentify self-reported training priorities. Respondents included 131 di rect training staff and 79 supervisory staff (N=210). In a mailed surv ey, respondents rated 35 different topics on variables of importance o f training and adequacy of existing training. Results indicated the tw o most important topics for both respondent groups were ''matching the job to the applicant'' followed by ''gathering information on job pro spects.'' Highly rated topics in terms of inadequacy of training for b oth groups were ''understanding transition from school to work'' and ' 'using assistive technology devices/equipment.'' For both groups of re spondents, the highest rated topic in importance combined with highest rating on inadequacy of training was ''job development and marketing. '' Results are discussed in terms of development of training programs for supported employment personnel, and implications for future resear ch.