Enhancing Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Homeless-Experienced Veterans in Permanent Supportive Housing

Few homeless-experienced individuals use vocational rehabilitation services. Using qualitative methods, as part of a pilot study at VA Greater Los Angeles (GLA), we characterized the perspectives of homeless-experienced persons and homeless program staff on vocational services. We also explored relationships among employment, housing, and well-being in this group. We interviewed homeless-experienced persons enrolled in vocational rehabilitation services embedded in GLA's permanent supportive housing program (PSH) (n = 19); as well as vocational rehabilitation staff (n = 10). Interviews were analyzed using rapid qualitative methods. Our analysis found that embedding vocational services within PSH enabled easy access, continual support, and care coordination, but there was a mismatch between job opportunities and consumers' employment preferences and goals. Employment positively impacted quality of life and recovery. In conclusion, increase vocational service use among homeless-experienced persons, integrating vocational services within PSH programs may improve access. PSH consumers desired tailored services, with meaningful vocational options aligned with their professional goals.