This study utilized qualitative methods to examine the social interactions that occur within supported employment settings between workers with disabilities and nondisabled co-workers. The study also examined the job supports at work settings, to understand the relationship between formal, job coach support services and natural job supports. Seven employees were studied in supported employment settings, using participant observation and interviews. Settings included a nursing home, a department store, a transportation company, two restaurants, a hospital, and a school. Findings are organized around seven common themes, including the low-status context of supported employment, the atypical design of supported job positions which were structured into an unvarying sequence of tasks, the importance of social interaction, the restricted social participation of supported employees, the importance of natural supports, the hidden messages of job coaches, and discrepant perceptions of supported employees. It was found that job coaching interfered with mentoring for supported employees, and job coaches did not teach participation in social customs. As a result, supported employees received less natural support than their co-workers. Despite these problems, supported employees had become accepted members of the work setting. Includes approximately 75 references. (JDD)