HOPE

Road to Recovery

 Experts increasingly acknowledge that work is the key factor in supporting mental wellness and warding off mental illness.

Employment provides 5 factors that promote mental well-being:

1. Time Structure
2. Social Contact and Affiliation
3. Collective Effort and Purpose
4. Social and Personal Identity
5. Regular Activity

For those who have suffered from such illnesses, meaningful employment is an essential part of the recovery process. Happily, new research tells us that people with behavioral health disorders can and do recover and can be a valuable contribution to the workplace!

What is Supported Employment?

Supported employment programs help people find competitive jobs, (that is, jobs that pay at least minimum wage that any person can apply for) that are based on the person’s preferences and abilities.

Supported employment is based on six principles.

1. Eligibility is based on consumer choice. No one is excluded who wants to participate.
2. Supported employment is integrated with treatment. Employment specialists coordinate plans with the treatment team: case manager, therapist, psychiatrist, etc.
3. Competitive employment is the goal. The focus is community jobs anyone can apply for that pay at least minimum wage, including part-time and full-time jobs.
4. Job search starts soon after a consumer expresses interest in working. There are no requirements for completing extensive pre-employment assessment and training, or intermediate work experiences (like prevocational work units, transitional employment, or sheltered workshops).
5. Follow-along supports are continuous. Individualized supports to maintain employment continue as long as consumers want the assistance.
6. Consumer preferences are important. Choices and decisions about work and support are individualized based on the person’s preferences, strengths, and experiences.

Qualifications:

1. Person must have a diagnosis of a behavioral health disorder.
2. Person must have a desire to work!

Consumers, family members, and advocates are well aware that people with behavioral health disorders have many talents and abilities that are often overlooked. These include the ability and motivation to work. Work is an important part of the recovery process for many consumers.

Research has shown that:

• 70% of adults with a severe mental illness desire work.
• 60% or more of adults with severe mental illness can be successful at working when using supported employment.

For many consumers the opportunity to have a regular job is an important part of their recovery process.

Supported Employment

Supported Employment is a well-defined approach to helping people with behavioral health disorders find and keep competitive employment within their communities. Supported employment programs are staffed by employment specialists who have frequent meetings with treatment providers to integrate supported employment with behavioral health services.