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Sheltered Employment: Supportive Employment Program

Ms. Sharon Rothschild, OT. Msc. Senior Director, Occupation, Rehabilitation Basket, Mental Health Division, Ministry of Health
21 October 2025

Sheltered employment is a general term for a range of support programs offered to individuals eligible for the Rehabilitation Basket in the field of employment. These programs are designed to provide tools, skills, and preparation for optimal integration into the workforce. Sheltered employment includes:

  • Productive frameworks: environments that simulate work and production processes, such as manufacturing workshops, cafés, and retail stores.
  • Assessment and training: evaluation and skill development in various fields of the workforce, such as a support program for entering the hi-tech industry, a program for those interested in the arts, training in a variety of fields, etc.

Professional supervision and support

These programs are supervised by professional teams that specialize in vocational and psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as mentors from the relevant professional fields.

Scope of the service

Most supported employment programs convene at least three times a week, for a minimum of four hours each time.

Sheltered employment is a general term for a range of support programs offered to individuals eligible for the Rehabilitation Basket in the field of employment. These programs are designed to provide tools, skills, and preparation for optimal integration into the workforce. Sheltered employment is offered in various settings—either in productive environments (such as cafés and retail stores) or in assessment and training programs for developing skills in various areas of the job market.

Scope of the service: Most sheltered employment programs convene at least three times a week, for a minimum of four hours each time.

Important to know

Important to know

The goal of sheltered employment is to prepare individuals in rehabilitation for integration in the job market. These programs are part of the spectrum of employment services within the Rehabilitation Basket but they do not replace the job market.

Who is eligible for the supportive employment program

The service is intended for individuals with mental health disabilities who wish to enter the workforce but need preparation, support, training, and professional supervision to help them succeed.

Exercising eligibility for supportive employment program

If you already have a rehabilitation basket

If you already have a rehabilitation basket: If you already have an approved rehabilitation basket but are not eligible for the employment services, you can contact the professional supervising you to inform them of your need to receive the service. The supervisor will refer you to the district Rehabilitation Basket Board, which will review eligibility.

If you do not have a rehabilitation basket

If you  have not yet submitted an application for a rehabilitation basket, on your own or with the help of an assistant, read here about submitting an application for a rehabilitation basket.

In the service application form, you must indicate the need to receive approval for sheltered employment. Once the forms have been submitted, you will be invited to the first Rehabilitation Basket Board, which will determine your eligibility for various rehabilitation services. At the Board, you can again raise your request for this approval and explain your desire to receive the service. It is important for us to emphasize that the Rehabilitation Basket Board is attentive to your needs and will strive to tailor a personalized plan for you, choosing the option that suits you best from the wide range of available services.

Types of programs

Work environments that resemble the job market, in combination with support and supervision:

  • Manufacturing plant: A production-based environment for trades such as packaging, assembly, and disassembly at varying levels of complexity, such as sorting, counting, packaging, metalwork, electrical work, carpentry, art and electronics. This environment is designed specifically for individuals with mental health disabilities, with the goal being enabling vocational rehabilitation for people with varying levels of function and helping them identify their abilities and skills relevant to the job market.
  • Cafés and stores: a rehabilitative setting that provides support and hands-on experience in a retail work environment and in customer service. The program teaches skills to reinforce abilities relevant to the workforce. Every service recipient in the program has a personalized rehabilitation plan supported by the professional team supervising them.

Within a sheltered productive program such as a workshop, cafés, or stores, the participant receives rehabilitation compensation based on the total hours attended and individual productivity, as well as income from production processes. There is also eligibility for bus fare reimbursement, but since the setting is, as mentioned, not a workplace but a training environment, the rehabilitation compensation does not include social benefits or employer-employee relations.

Various training programs for creating an employment identity and acquiring skills for integration into the open job market. Each training program lasts a minimum of two months, with at least three sessions per week. The training includes both individual and group instruction and training.

A program designed for individuals with a professional background in hi-tech and media who need experience or want to expand their portfolio in these fields. This experience, conducted in collaboration with hi-tech companies, can enhance professional skills and self-confidence, preparing participants for future integration as regular employees.

A program designed for individuals with backgrounds in classical art, music, performing arts, and video art, which can help them leverage their talents to maximize their potential and integrate into these fields in the open job market. Each individual is provided with a path that is personally customized for them and aligned with their goals. 

Professional supervision and support

These programs are supervised by professional teams that specialize in vocational and psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as mentors from the relevant professional fields.

 Monitoring and evaluation in sheltered employment

Monitoring and evaluation are key components of the rehabilitation and employment process, designed to ensure that individuals in rehabilitation receive the support and tools they need to adapt activities to their changing needs and, subsequently, progress toward the open labor market. The individual in rehabilitation is an integral part of the monitoring and evaluation process and actively participates in establishing the goals and objectives of the rehabilitation plan. The process includes:

At the beginning of the process

An initial assessment of the individual's abilities, level of function, as well as personal and professional needs, with the aim of creating a personalized activity plan.

During the activity

Instructors and social workers monitor goal achievement and make necessary adjustments. The monitoring includes daily observations, weekly conversations, and regular feedback. The professionals guiding the process provide constructive feedback on each individual's progress.

Outcome measures and a satisfaction survey

are administered to the participant once a year, in order to conduct a validated evaluation of the process’s impact on their personal rehabilitation.

Completion of sheltered employment programs

Any decision to terminate the contractual arrangement will be made in accordance with professional criteria and will be coordinated with the person in rehabilitation and the supporting professionals. Employment Services is responsible for managing the transition itself and coordinating appropriate alternatives. It is important to know that some sheltered employment programs are time-limited

The Rehabilitation Basket Submission Process

More information on how to submit the application, details of the documents that must be attached, the possibility of an appeal in case the application is rejected, and more information on the subject on the government services website.

To the process on gov.il

More info

Rehabilitation Basket Services

Housing

Education

Assistance Acquiring Basic Equipment for Living

Dental Treatment for People in Recovery

Leisure time

Mentoring

Household Help

Treatment Coordination