We work hard to devote sufficient resources to supported employment to permit full access to all consumers who seek competitive employment. Our senior management team firmly believes that the provision of supported employment services to consumers is an essential part of recovery. Most people want to work. We also believe that work is an effective adjunct to other treatment alternatives.
Staff who are trained to deliver evidenced based supported employment can demonstrate better competitive employment outcomes than those who have not received such training. Individuals who are working report:
- Positive outcomes from competitive work
- Better control of psychiatric symptoms
- Higher self-esteem
- More satisfaction with finances and with leisure
At Northern Human Services, consumers are not excluded from supported employment services because “they are not ready”, because of lack of work history, substance abuse, symptoms or other characteristics. In fact, nobody is excluded who wants to participate. Supported employment is integrated with treatment. This means that employment specialists coordinate plans with the treatment team which includes case manages, therapists, psychiatrists and others. Competitive Employment is the goal.
Also, benefits planning and guidance help consumers make informed decisions about job starts and changes. Consumer preferences are important. Job searches are based on consumers’ preferences, strengths and work experiences; not on the pool of jobs
that are available. Job searches start soon after a consumer expresses interest in working. Follow along support is ongoing. Employment Specialists continue to stay in regular contact with consumer and, when appropriate, the employer without predetermined time frames.
Northern Human Services mission is to assist and advocate for people affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities and related disorders in living meaningful lives. We reaffirm that supported employment services can result in positive outcomes
for people who choose to seek employment.
A Supported Employment Success Story
Mark is a 35 year old man who has worked with NHS for years. When he became involved with Supported Employment (SE), Mark was working an hour or two a week. His initial goal with the SE specialist was to work towards achieving his GED. Mark felt this was very important and would ultimately help him in gaining competitive employment.
Mark met this goal and began his job search quickly after. Mark discussed how to use his likes and strengths to find a job that he could be successful in. He stated physical activity and room to cross train as important factors for him. Within the first contact,
the SE specialist shared with Mark that Lowes was hiring for an “Unload Associate” on a part time basis. Mark filled out the application that day, with support, to ensure that he understood all the wording. Mark had an interview the next week.
He utilized supported employment to prepare for the interview and to discuss appropriate questions he could ask and how he might answer questions directed at him. Mark then attended the interview independently. He was hired and began work soon after. Since starting this position at Lowes, Mark continues to meet with the supported employment specialist weekly to discuss interpersonal skills and how to approach co-workers or supervisors as well as how to accept constructive criticism.
Mark also discusses his successes in his week to week work. Mark has successfully been employed for 5 months and is working 20 to 25 hours a week. He enjoys the physical aspects of his job and is working on building friendships with his co-workers. Mark is also excited about the future of this job as he learns more tasks and expands his knowledge within the company.
