Supported Employment: Training Frontline Staff - SAMHSA Store ...

•Looking at public postings for bands that need
a drummer;
•Checking the want ads of local papers for the arts;
and
•Looking for job listings on the Internet.
However, finding work as a musician may require
extensive networking. Valuable contacts may include
Steve’s family and other supporters, the treatment
team, and the consumers with whom Steve plays at
the clubhouse. You and Steve could consider these
initiatives:
•Striking up conversations with band members
playing at local venues;
•Talking with other consumers at the clubhouse
about bands that need a drummer; or
•Meeting with a representative from the local
musicians’ union.
Contacts with these people could lead directly to
jobs. These contacts could also result in new, unpaid
opportunities for playing with other musicians
that could, over time, lead to paid work through
networking.
If Steve is unable to obtain work as a musician,
it may be desirable to broaden his job search to
include looking for jobs that involve music. Many
such possible jobs exist and Steve’s knowledge
about music may be a strength in securing such a
job. Examples of jobs involving music include the
following:
•Working in a music store (selling CDs, tapes,
etc.);
•Ushering at a concert hall or theater;
•Assisting a music instrument maker;
•Working at a radio station;
•Holding a position for a publication in the music
business; or
•Working at a music school.
Steve views himself as a musician, and he may be
reluctant to pursue work that does not directly
involve this type of employment. You could explore
with him the potential benefits of other kinds of
work related to music. For example, by getting
work in an area related to music, Steve might make
valuable contacts that could eventually lead to work
as a musician. Furthermore, in addition to increasing
his income, Steve might find that a job involving
music is interesting, helps to structure his time, gives
him opportunities to interact with others, and boosts
his self-esteem.
If Steve settles for a job involving music but still
dreams of finding work as a musician, you should
continue to help him pursue his goal. Encourage and
support him to network, talk with other musicians,
and learn more about music-related activities in
his community. When you or Steve find a job as a
musician that he is interested in pursuing, help him
apply and make the transition into the new position
so he can achieve his vocational goals.
Module 3 6 Assessment and Job Finding