Secker, J

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Anglia Ruskin University

Abstract:

Evidence accumulated over many years illustrates the benefits of work for mental health, including that of mental health service users. Despite strong evidence of the effectiveness of the individual placement and support (IPS) approach in enabling this group to find and keep paid employment, employment rates among mental health service users remain low, and IPS is not widely implemented in the UK. This paper reviews recent evidence for IPS, describes the key features of the approach and compares these with service users’ accounts of the kind of support that they find helpful. The current situation regarding implementation of IPS is then considered, together with the barriers hindering implementation. It is clear that the barriers are multifaceted, and action will be required at a number of levels if mental health service users are to be enabled to achieve their employment goals.

Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Louise M. Howard, Margaret Heslin, Morven Leese, Paul McCrone, Christopher Rice, Manuela Jarrett, Terry Spokes, Peter Huxley, and Graham Thornicroft

Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
Abstract:

There is evidence from North American trials that supported employment using the individual placement and support (IPS) model is effective in helping individuals with severe mental illness gain competitive employment. There have been few trials in other parts of the world.

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IPS in the UK.

Method

Individuals with severe mental illness in South London were randomised to IPS or local traditional vocational services (treatment as usual) (ISRCTN96677673).

Results

Two hundred and nineteen participants were randomised, and 90% assessed 1 year later. There were no significant differences between the treatment as usual and intervention groups in obtaining competitive employment (13% in the intervention group and 7% in controls; risk ratio 1.35, 95% CI 0.95–1.93, P = 0.15), nor in secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

There was no evidence that IPS was of significant benefit in achieving competitive employment for individuals in South London at 1-year follow-up, which may reflect suboptimal implementation. Implementation of IPS can be challenging in the UK context where IPS is not structurally integrated with mental health services, and economic disincentives may lead to lower levels of motivation in individuals with severe mental illness and psychiatric professionals.

Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Job seekers and potential employers are served.

November 10, 2010 (KINSTON, NC) – Supported Employment Network (SENET), a statewide non-profit network dedicated to increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities, has launched its new website, www.rhasenet.org, to provide detailed information for job seekers and for businesses who want to enhance their workplace by diversifying their hiring practices.

“SENET offers a win-win solution for skilled workers eager to join the workforce and for area businesses seeking qualified, reliable employees,” said Tommy Cox, Director of Vocational Services.

Designed by Nelson Bruner, the new website supports that mission through easy-to-navigate sections that explain how SENET works, how it benefits people with disabilities looking for work, and the many benefits it provides for potential employers.

For potential employers, SENET offers no-cost job placement, pre-screens employees, offers on-the-job training resources and operations analysis, and provides technical assistance on workplace accommodations. Employers may be eligible for Work Opportunity Tax Credits.

The new website’s Resource Menu also offers job-hunting tips and a host of business resources. A special “Business Spotlight” celebrates businesses that are working with SENET to diversity their workforces. Those business range from McDonald’s, Golden Coral and Fastlane Services to Polo Ralph Lauren, the Carolina Panthers and the NC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Established in North Carolina less than a year ago, SENET has secured worthwhile employment for 84 people with disabilities in Goldsboro, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lumberton.  For more information, visit www.rhasenet.org.

About SENET:

Supported Employment Network (SENET) is a statewide program dedicated to increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities. Our mission is to build networks that help people with disabilities find long-term employment through local and regional partnerships within the business community. SENET offers a win-win solution for skilled workers eager to join the workforce and for area businesses seeking qualified, reliable employees.  For more information visit www.rhasenet.org.

Job seekers and potential employers are served.

November 10, 2010 (KINSTON, NC) – Supported Employment Network (SENET), a statewide non-profit network dedicated to increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities, has launched its new website, www.rhasenet.org, to provide detailed information for job seekers and for businesses who want to enhance their workplace by diversifying their hiring practices.

“SENET offers a win-win solution for skilled workers eager to join the workforce and for area businesses seeking qualified, reliable employees,” said Tommy Cox, Director of Vocational Services.

Designed by Nelson Bruner, the new website supports that mission through easy-to-navigate sections that explain how SENET works, how it benefits people with disabilities looking for work, and the many benefits it provides for potential employers.

For potential employers, SENET offers no-cost job placement, pre-screens employees, offers on-the-job training resources and operations analysis, and provides technical assistance on workplace accommodations. Employers may be eligible for Work Opportunity Tax Creidts.

The new website’s Resource Menu also offers job-hunting tips and a host of business resources. A special “Business Spotlight” celebrates businesses that are working with SENET to diversity their workforces. Those business range from McDonald’s, Golden Coral and Fastlane Services to Polo Ralph Lauren, the Carolina Panthers and the NC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Established in North Carolina less than a year ago, SENET has secured worthwhile employment for 84 people with disabilities in Goldsboro, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lumberton.  For more information, visit www.rhasenet.org.

About SENET:

Supported Employment Network (SENET) is a statewide program dedicated to increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities. Our mission is to build networks that help people find long-term employment through local and regional partnerships within the business community. SENET offers a win-win solution for skilled workers eager to join the workforce and for area businesses seeking qualified, reliable employees.  For more information visit www.rhasenet.org.

Ted, Store Manager, Goldsboro, NC:

“It’s amazing to see how [SENET] can take an individual with no skills or experience and literally transform their lives. Working with Harold has been an absolute pleasure.”

Pablo, Kitchen Manager, Brown Bag Café, Goldsboro, NC:

“Chris is a great guy to work with.  He tries hard, is pleasant to be around, and he accepts correction better than any person I’ve worked with.”

From the General Manager of Mayberry’s Ice Cream, High Point, NC:

“We have enjoyed working with Bryan and his [SENET] job coach.  The job coach helped Bryan understand his job duties and feel comfortable at work.  Bryan is now working independently and he’s doing a great job.”

Leon

Leon G., Piggly Wiggly:

“It’s been great having a job. My [SENET] job coach really helped me find out what I like doing. We practiced interviewing and filling out applications. Once I got this job I was so excited.”

Barbara

Barbara, Housekeeper, Comfort Suites Hotel:

“I love my job. I have been working at the Comfort Suites for almost a year and I have learned so much. I remember when I didn’t have a job and I would become so frustrated trying to complete applications on my own. I had such a hard time reading and understanding the applications. My [SENET] job coach was a great help. She taught me how to do my job step by step until I was able to complete it on my own. Even after a year, she still comes by to make sure things are going well. My life will never be the same.”

Kaye, Store Associate, Walmart:

Kaye

“I am so happy to be working at WalMart. My SENET Employment Specialist gave me encouragement, motivation and the one-on-one training I needed to learn my job.”

Harold, Stocker, Piggly Wiggly, Goldsboro, NC:

“It’s been great having a job. My [SENET] job coach really helped me find out what I liked doing. We practiced  interviewing and filling out applications. Once I got that job, I was so excited.”

Christ, Dishwasher, Brown Bag Cafe, Goldsboro, NC:

“I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to work again.  The only way I’m leaving this job is if the business closes.”

Day-long event honors National Disability History and Awareness month & National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 13, 2010 (KINSTON, NC) – SENET, a statewide non-profit Supported Employment Network dedicated to increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities will be on hand for the Disabilities Awareness Fair to be held at Vernon Park Mall in Kinston, NC, on Friday, October 29, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Fair will celebrate North Carolina Disability History and Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, both of which are observed throughout October.

SENET will host an informational booth to support its goal of finding long-term employment for people with disabilities through local and regional partnerships within the business community.

“SENET offers a win-win solution for skilled workers eager to join the workforce and for area businesses seeking qualified, reliable employees,” said Tommy Cox, Director of Vocational Services.

SENET mirrors the national “Think Beyond The Label” campaign spearhead by the Health & Disabilities Advocates (www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com).

Established in North Carolina less than a year ago, SENET has secured worthwhile employment for 84 people with disabilities in Goldsboro, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lumberton. There is no placement fee for employers and employers may be eligible for Work Opportunity Tax Credits. Some of the participating employers are Time Warner Cable Arena, K&W Cafeteria, FastLane Service, Bi-Lo, Summit Place Retirement Center, the Carolina Panthers, Mint Hill Tool Rental, Carolina Home Remodeling, and the NC Department of Motor Vehicles.

SENET recently launched its own website at www.rhasenet.org, which offers detailed information for job seekers and for businesses who want to enhance their workplace by diversifying their hiring practices.

The Disabilities Awareness Fair in Kinston is sponsored by RHA Howell, Inc, a local Senior Girl Scouts troop, and RADD (Raising Awareness for Developmental Disabilities). For more information on the Disabilities Awareness Fair in Kinston, contact Kitty Hobbs-Proctor, 3738 Howell Day Care Road, La Grange, NC 28551, or call RADD and leave a message at 252-522-2814.

Vernon Park Mall is located at 834 Hardee Road, Kinston, NC 28503.

About SENET:

Supported Employment Network (SENET) is a statewide program dedicated to increasing job opportunities for people with disabilities. Our mission is to build networks that help people find long-term employment through local and regional partnerships within the business community. SENET offers a win-win solution for skilled workers eager to join the workforce and for area businesses seeking qualified, reliable employees. For more information visit www.rhasenet.org.

The six graduates of the inaugural Project SEARCH session at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital did not go home with diplomas at the end of their June completion ceremony.

They went one step better. They left with jobs.

Read the full article here: http://www.henricocitizen.com/clients/henricocitizen/st-marys-celebrates-pioneers-p2010.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

If you are interested in Project SEARCH and the other programs of the Research and Training Center on Supported Employment, visit Worksupport.com

Tasks Unlimited is a program for people with serious and persistent mental illness. Approximately 70 percent of the people served by the organization have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Typically, people with schizophrenia spend their lifetime in and out of hospitals and are heavily dependent on a team of social workers, vocational instructors, healthcare managers, etc working to get them as independent as possible.

Tasks doesn’t perceive independence as the goal, and that’s where the power comes in.

Rather than asking someone with a self-protecting disease to be independent, we ask them to be interdependent. We don’t want to wait for someone to feel so good that they think they don’t need their meds anymore. We ask our members to look out for each other. By making sure that fellow housemates take their meds, get to work and contribute to household chores, “lodge” members empower each other to be successful in stabilizing their mental health. As a team, they’re consistent on the job and at home. They make sure everyone is accountable to their actions. Only a limited amount of assistance comes from outside staff. Once in the program, nearly 95% of the clientele stay out of the hospital for mental health concerns. It’s awesome.

So how is this a part of a solution? Living in a lodge requires significantly less funding than hospitalization. And even better, a supported employment program helps to keep people out of the hospitals to start. People stable enough to work are stable enough to stay out of the hospital. And if mental health starts to deteriorate, a vocational rehabilitation worker can spot someone’s change in symptoms long berfore things are bad enough to end up back in the hospital.

Even further, almost a quarter of the clients of Tasks Unlimited have gone off Social Security Disability insurance in favor of working full-time. They’re excited to work. They don’t want to be dependent on the government to fund their everyday needs. They just want someone to believe they can do it. Treat and adult with mental illness like an adult and they begin to act like an adult. In addition, whether they work full-time or just part-time, all of our clients work, and they all pay taxes. So a signficant portion of county funds used to fund programs like this actually goes back to the government.

So how can you help? You can donate to the solution. It takes money to make money, and donations help develop new programs and create more lodges so we can help more people. You can also advocate. Healthcare is a serious issue for us, and legislative sessions often bring about major cuts. Write to your legislative officials and start recommending that they look at opportunities for long-term solutions to our financial woes–not short-term cuts that hurt everyone. Finally, you can educate yourself and others. Shows like Law and Order don’t do people with mental illness any favors. Most people with mental illness are highly unlikely to commit acts of violence on others.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. What are you doing to embrace it?

Skinny: Dear Colleague Letter from the National Director for Learning Disabilities providing an update on the Valuing Employment Now resource pack and a reminder of the business case for investment in supported employment. Employment will remain a top priority.

Publisher: DH

Size of Publication: 2p.

Published: 20/01/2010

Check out the video here!

Customized Employment, Feb 1-Mar 1. $60 per individual

The course will cover these important topics on customized employment and more:

• Principles and Indicators of Customized Employment
• Relationship to Supported Employment
• Role of a Personal Representative or Employment Specialist
• Strategies for Exploration and the Discovery Process
• Personal Profiles
• Informational Interviewing
• Job Negotiations
• Employment Proposals
• Funding Strategies

Into Adulthood: Transition to Work for Individuals with Autism, Mar 1 to Apr 4. Tuition and textbook $298.07

The course will cover these important topics on autism and transition to work and more:

• Characteristics of autism
• Impact of transition from school to adulthood
• Supporting parents
• Positive behavior support
• Inclusion
• Critical life and social skills for work
• Strategies for effective transition from school to work, training, or post-secondary education
• Building effective business partnerships between academic and community service providers
• Evidence-based strategies for effective job development, on-the-job support, and retention strategies

Continuing education credits are available for both courses. For more information and to register visit http://www.worksupport.com/training/courses.cfm.

You can read more about this disctinctive honor in this full press release.

When the economy is very good (and unemployment is very low) employers are more likely to face high turnover. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that when jobs are easy to find, they’re also easy to quit.

During a bad economy, with high unemployment, employer’s need every hiring decision to be the right one.  Faced with stacks of job applications from strangers, the employer needs some efficient way to find the right employee as quickly as possible.

Whatever an employer’s problem is, the job developer can offer a unique solution. During low unemployment the job developer can provide that loyal employee who is ready to stick with the first employer who gives her a chance.  During high unemployement, the job developer can provide a job candidate who has been pre-screened according to his ability to perform the essential tasks of the job.  In either case, the job developer offers ongoing follow-up that will help make sure the hiring decision is working out for everyone involved.

It’s like a colleague of mine recently concluded, “We don’t just provide offer employees, we offer to help.”

An onging relationship with an employer, and an understanding of that employer’s needs, combine to make the job developer a significant factor in the hiring decision.

What problems do you see employers facing now?  What solutions do you offer?

I heard these words as a young adult looking for work.  While the message was not particularly encouraging, it  comforted me to know that others recognized the challenges of a job search. Eventually I became an employment counselor for people with disabilities.  In other words, finding jobs for others became my own permanent full-time job. 

I love my job, but it can be tough.  For me and many others, making the first contact with an employer can be intimidating. I discussed this challenge with a small group of experienced professionals today, and we developed the following guidelines:  

• When time allows, make cold calls in person, rather than on the phone.  You’ll develop a better rapport this way, and you’ll be able to pick up on more subtle communication, like body language and facial expressions.  (Phone calls, however, are better than nothing, and can be effective.)
• Expect to contact an employer several times before you’re really taken seriously.   Persistence increases credibility. 
• Target your contacts.  Consider which employers are most likely to hire the job seekers that you’re helping. 
• State your purpose very early in your introduction, and express a desire to meet the employer’s hiring needs.  
• Follow up, especially after the employer hires someone referred by you.  Maintaining contact ensures that your around to help prevent little problems from becoming big problems.

Following these basic guidelines will prepare you to get the most result for your job placement efforts, and experience will be your best teacher. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it.

Starbucks and the Developmental Disabilities Association were featured together in a special documentary program put on by national TV outlet, Fairchild TV. View the documentary on employing poeple with developmental disabilities by clicking here.

Jobs West is the supported employment program provided by the Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) that assists job seekers and employers to find potential matches.

See abstract at http://bit.ly/nJnRj

Ladies and Gents of the Employment Services Team, let me introduce Eva to you as the newly hired Pharmacy Tech at Elsdon Pharmacy!

Eva waited 5 months for this job to open up. In her words:

“I did not want to settle for a job that just pays, but one that will improve my quality of life.”

We worked diligently as a team, continuing to call and visit the store manager almost weekly. On Monday, the manager finally said that since we worked so hard to get this job, he knows that Eva will be a dedicated employee… and he hired her!

Thanks for your continued emails that inspired Eva to stay the course. Finding employment in this job market is tough for anyone, let alone someone with mental illness. Keep up the great work!

During June, 19 members started new jobs through Thresholds’ Supported Employment program.

To learn more, check out http://www.thresholds.org/find-services/supported-employment.

They have asked everyone throughout the nation to join them in a commitment to service on January 19th, and in a commitment to make it last, to continue this service beyond one day.

This offers everyone an opportunity to become involved by volunteering in their local community, or by hosting a service opportunity.  I can think of several ways to take advantage of this remarkable invitation.   Certainly this provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities (and agency staff) to contribute to their communities, learning, sharing, building skills, and building a network of connections.  It is also an opportunity to ask community members to help with your efforts by serving in a variety of ways:  on individual planning teams, in providing advice about the job market and connections to community employers, in inviting job seekers to come to work with them to see what particular work environments and jobs are like.

I look forward to  hearing  your ideas about ways to serve, and ways to invite the community to serve in your efforts.  Please share your creative ideas.  This  a new, exciting era:  A time of great change, and a time of great opportunity.

Michelle Obama’s message about this:

One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service.

I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in — cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth — you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it’s the beginning of an ongoing commitment to your community.

Go to www.usaservice.org for more information.

They have asked everyone throughout the nation to join them in a commitment to service on January 19th, and in a commitment to make it last, to continue this service beyond one day.

This offers everyone an opportunity to become involved by voluneering in their local community, or by hosting a service opportunity.  I can think of several ways to take advantage of this remarkable invitation.   Certainly this provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities (and agency staff) to contribute to their communities, learning, sharing, building skills, and building a network of connections.  It is also an opportunity to ask community members to help with your efforts by serving in a variety of ways:  on individual planning teams, in providing advice about the job market and connections to community employers, in inviting job seekers to come to work with them to see what particular work environments and jobs are like.

I look forward to  hearing  your ideas about ways to serve, and ways to invite the community to serve in your efforts.  Please share your creative ideas.  This  a new, exciting era:  A time of great change, and a time of great opportunity.

Below is additional information.   They have a link to a search engine that allows you to find local projects, and to host projects as well. 

Michelle Obama’s message about this:

One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service.

I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in — cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth — you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it’s the beginning of an ongoing commitment to your community.

Go to www.usaservice.org for more information.