Securing and sustaining meaningful employment is obviously beneficial to the individual with persistent mental illness. What may be less obvious is that including these individuals in the workforce can be tremendously beneficial to the companies employing them, as well. Individuals with persistent mental illnesses are among the most creative and imaginative members of our society. Research demonstrates that far from hindering creativity, the medications now available serve to actually enhance productivity.
Experts increasingly acknowledge that work is a key factor in supporting mental wellness and warding off its reverse – mental illness. Employment provides five factors that promote mental well-being: Time structure, social contact and affiliation, collective effort and purpose, social and personal identity and regular activity.
Seven Principles of Evidenced Based Supported Employment
1. Eligibility is based on the individuals’ choice
2. Supported employment services are integrated with comprehensive mental health treatment
3. Competitive employment is the goal
4. Personalized benefits counseling is important
5. Job search starts soon after the person expresses interest in working
6. Follow-along supports are continuous
7. Individual preferences are important
Employment is an important part of the recovery process for many and the Community Support Campus now offers these supported services. Assisting consumers achieve competitive employment goals is a core function of the Ben Gordon Center Community Support team. If you have clients that could benefit from these services or know a business that might be interested in employing a client please contact Brett Koenig at CSP – 815-756-8501.
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