|
|
|
|
Larry Abramson
Director, Vocational Rehabilitation
|
The Back to Work Program within the Vocational Department currently serves approximately 220 clients. This program helps people recovering from mental illness choose, find, and keep a job. The St. Luke’s House strong belief in individual interests, abilities, and self determination is supported by a program of pre placement counseling, resume preparation, placement assistance and on the job coaching and support. The Back to Work Program includes vocational evaluation, transitional employment programs, supported employment, Job Search support group, Job Keep support group, job development/placement services, and follow along support as long as necessary. Currently the Back to Work Program supports several work “enclaves”, where groups of clients work for local businesses in a supported setting.
Clients of the Back to Work Program have an employment rate three to four times the national average. St. Luke’s House participates in the national movement of evidenced-based practices. The core principles of this practice include: Eligibility is based on consumer choice, supported employment is integrated with treatment, competitive employment is the goal, job search starts soon after a consumer expresses interest in working, follow along supports are continuous, consumer preferences are important.
Employment Specialists work with candidates to successfully match each person to the appropriate job and continue to support the employer/employee relationship as long as necessary. The supported employment staff works closely with all other providers, client’s natural support system, business mentors and employers to coordinate services and successful outcomes for the client with focus on promoting independence, continuity of care, skill development, job acquisition and retention. Staff also provides technical assistance and on-the-job support to the employer on such areas as compliance with ADA regulations and/or how to access tax credits and deductions.
In FY05 the Back to Work Program initiated two exciting partnerships with community agencies. Montgomery Works and St. Luke’s House have formed a partnership that will improve services to people with mental Illness at Montgomery County’s One Stop shop for employment and training. Our Partnership with Threshold services is offering BTW services to Threshold clients using the Evidence-based practice model. These innovative collaborations offer strategic benefits to all parties and improve employment opportunities to mentally ill citizens in the county.
|