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

Through direct contact with an employer, you can
learn what concerns the employer has. You may
learn that the boss’s only real concern is that Mary
had not brushed her hair and did not look quite tidy
enough for her position, which involves greeting the
public.
Employment specialists guide and support
employers and suggest ways to help working
consumers improve their performance. When you
meet with the employer, you might explain that
Mary is anxious about returning to work after being
away from work for 5 years.
You could encourage the employer to give Mary
positive feedback about her ability to learn quickly
and to regularly tell her when work is going well to
try to overcome Mary’s initial anxiety.
Let the employer know that you believe Mary’s
confidence will build in time. Employers often find
it helpful to talk with employment specialists to
better understand how to supervise and support
employees.
Doing a job over time
Patrick’s story
Patrick is a 32-year-old single male with schizoaffective
disorder who has been receiving mental health services for
8 years. Today, Patrick shows up at the office saying he is
hearing more voices and is having trouble sleeping.
Patrick says that he has recently been changed to the
evening shift at the convenience store where he works.
Patrick’s employment specialist asks a few more questions
about Patrick’s situation and finds out that the evening
shift is busy.
Often, there are long lines of customers who, at times,
become irritated. On breaks, Patrick has been drinking
lots of coffee, and after work he has been going out with
coworkers to drink beer. He says that he does not want to
go to the state hospital again.
Tackling the issues
Q: If you were Patrick’s employment
specialist, what would you do
In summary, starting a new job can be stressful for
anyone. The process can be even more challenging
for someone who is managing a mental illness and
may not have worked for a while.
As an employment specialist, your job is to
anticipate and try to head off job-start problems.
You can make sure consumers have practical plans
to address common concerns, such as waking up
on time, wearing the right clothes, and traveling to
work.
Q: How would you address supports
related to Patrick, his network, and
his workplace
You can coach consumers to practice the workday
routine ahead of time. You can also work with
consumers’ family, friends, and treatment team to
be sure they have the support they need to get to
and through the critical early days on the job.
Module 34 4 Job Assessment Supports and and Collaborations
Job Finding