Purpose <p>Clients with chronic mental illness face multiple psychological, social, and economic challenges in securing and maintaining employment. While studies have confirmed the positive role of employment in improving their functioning, an effective vocational empowerment model tailored to their needs remains a research gap. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a vocational empowerment model for clients with chronic mental illness.</p> Methods <p>This qualitative study was conducted within the interpretive paradigm using the grounded theory approach based on Strauss and Corbin’s methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 chronically mentally ill clients with work experience, following the principle of theoretical saturation. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.</p> Results <p>The developed model consists of five key components: (1) Causal conditions (self-management, motivation, attitude, and agency): (2) Contextual factors (social and institutional support, environmental opportunities, and challenges); (3) Intervening factors (economic and social factors); (4) Strategies (personal development, spiritual support; and (5) Outcomes (personal and occupational well-being)</p> Conclusion <p>The findings suggest that a combination of social support and individual empowerment can significantly enhance the employment sustainability of these clients. Vocational empowerment for clients with chronic mental illness requires a multi-dimensional approach, including self-management training, creating supportive infrastructures, reforming employment policies, and implementing psychosocial interventions. The findings of this study can contribute to designing supportive programs and informing macro-level policies for vocational rehabilitation of clients with chronic mental illness.</p>