Job Development and Retention

Employment is a fundamental component of the recovery process for mental health consumers.  Unfortunately, due in part to stigma and discrimination, the unemployment rate among people with serious and persistent mental illnesses is 90%.  Crossroads will provide training and technical assistance to promote strategies and support systems for helping clients prepare for work, locate and access viable community employment opportunities, and develop effective employment retention services.

Client Preparation:
Our initial focus involves developing techniques to assist our clients to embrace the concept of employment in recovery and resolve issues that impact employment retention.  We outline methods for matching the client's interests, academic skills, and aptitudes with specific job classifications/labor market information to develop a career path and identify any areas needing accommodation.

Job Development Techniques:
Participants will learn Job Development techniques that emphasize a sales and marketing approach that includes job carving, job negotiation, and job creation to increase the job match for the client while meeting the business needs of the employer. 

We will role play techniques for meeting employer objections with confidence and success and discuss the options of full vs. part-time work, utilizing temporary positions for transitioning into the workforce, Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits for employers, and self-employment. 

Finally, we will discuss methods for maintaining a long-term relationship with businesses even when challenges with our clients result in termination.

Job Search Preparation:
Our training focus will then turn to Job Search Preparation.  Initially, we will discuss basic strategies for preparing our clients:  Master Applications; defining reasons for leaving jobs; developing a script for discussing criminal record; basic dress, grooming and hygiene expectations, and preparing for interviews.  We will discuss the importance of actively involving the client in the job search effort to ensure ownership based on individual ability.

Employment Retention:
The final area of our training will focus on employment retention issues including disclosure of disability, self-representation, accommodations, fear over loss of Social Security benefits, career advancement, and understanding formal and informal employment resources such as Employee Assistance Program, and the Department of Fair Housing.