Demographic and Vocational Rehabilitation Service Correlates of Employment Outcomes in People With Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19.

This study analyzed demographic and vocational rehabilitation (VR) service factors associated with employment outcomes—competitive employment, hourly wage, and weekly work hours—among 9,536 individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Services Report (RSA-911) database for fiscal year 2020. Key demographic correlates of positive employment outcomes included having a vocational training license or certificate, being employed at the time of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), and holding an associate or bachelor's degree. Among VR services, short-term job supports, maintenance services, and other supportive services were most strongly linked to better employment outcomes, although these services were underutilized. The findings highlight ongoing employment challenges for people with SUD, including low wages and part-time work, and suggest that enhancing access to education, vocational training, and targeted VR supports may improve employment success in this population in the postpandemic era.