A survey of supported employment agencies' quality improvement practices and training needs

This study examines knowledge level, relevance, and current use level of quality improvement practices in Wisconsin-supported employment agencies. Participants were administrators and direct service providers. Results indicate that respondents reported some degree of implementation of all practices on the questionnaire. In addition, respondents expressed a low-to-moderate level of need for training in 3 areas: (a) critical ingredients of quality improvement, (b) evaluation and team performance, and (c) defining and evaluating organizational mission. The greatest training need was in the evaluation cluster. No significant differences were found between administrators and direct service providers on training needs. Implications for quality improvement practices are discussed.