Vocational
We believe everyone who wants to work CAN work. We help our clients find, get and keep jobs. Our job coaches help each client maintain a strong work and mental health balance.
When someone signs up for services within the Vocational Department, they can expect:
- One-on-one coaching with a Supported Employment Specialist to help determine skills, interests, and long term career goals
- Help with creating a step-by-step plan to achieve employment-related goals
- Help with developing resumes, writing the perfect cover letter, and filling out online applications
- Support with community-based job search activities, such as going into business and speaking to a hiring manager, completing practice interviews with prominent members of the business community, or participating in ‘job try-outs’ to get a feel for a specific job or industry
- Benefits counseling to learn how work will impact publicly funded entitlements such as Social Security Benefits
- On-site job coaching at the new position
- Long-term support for keeping the job
We follow a model of Supported Employment called “Evidenced Based Practice” based on the following principles:
- Everyone can work- no one’s history excludes them from participating.
- Mental health treatment and supported employment services are integrated together.
- Competitive jobs (aka jobs anyone can apply for, not jobs ‘just’ for people with mental illness) are the goal.
- Job search begins right away.
- Our Employment Specialists network within the business community to find job leads for our clients.
- Supports are ongoing and time-unlimited.
- Client preferences are respected during every step in the process.
- Job supports are individualized and continue for as long as the client wants and needs the support.
Requirements:
- Must have Medicaid or qualify for an “Uninsured Span” if seeking employment only services; and be eligible for the Public Behavioral health system.
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be currently in treatment with a therapist or psychiatrist
- For our “Employment Focus Clusters” employment must be the primary goal, consumers can have other goals, but the must be limited in need
- Must have a target diagnosis
If you (or someone you know) want Work to be the cornerstone of recovery, please join us in making that a reality!