Abstract: The effective utilization of social workers’ professional expertise is critical in the development of scientifically grounded and diverse employment training models for individuals with disabilities. Interviews conducted in four cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, identified three fundamental challenges within the current disability employment training programs, including the lack of alignment with job vacancies, the insufficient practical training in real-world contexts, and the inadequate training in basic professional skills. An employment training program for visually impaired baristas, guided by a competency model and delivered by social workers in collaboration with professional baristas as trainers, undertook comprehensive, systematic, and innovative practical exploration. As a result, six out of seven participants achieved the proficiency level of intern barista, with four participants successfully securing employment. This case study has informed the development of a replicable and scalable “Competency-Based Social Worker-Involved Employment Training Model for Individuals with Disabilities.” This framework encompasses detailed descriptions of the approach, underlying principles, the dynamics between social workers and professional trainers, and the practical framework and procedural methodology employed.

Key words: individuals with disabilities, employment training, competency, social work