Mental Health Vocational Program

It’s well-known that circumstances of social disconnection and isolation only worsen the symptoms of mental illness. After four decades of helping our individuals transform their own lives, we’ve seen exactly how essential it is for those living with disabilities and mental illnesses to feel invested in one’s personal growth and one’s community.

Individuals who have the opportunity to create connections through their jobs and vocations have a far better experience managing and overcoming their disabilities and mental illnesses. The outlook they have for their lives remains consistently hopeful and grows progressively stronger. And the impact they make on others through their employment reverberates beyond their growth like a positive ripple on their peers.

The Mental Health Vocational Program spearheaded by Rock Creek Foundation gives participants a chance to do all this and more. As part of our Supported Employment Service, individuals are matched with Employment Consultants who are their coaches and guides on the journey of the job search.

Together, individuals and consultants work to narrow down choices for jobs that align with their abilities, interests, values, and chances for growth. Through assessments, observational interviews, and work placement trials, our individuals can find the perfect fit for their mental and physical needs.

Senior carpenter teaching young employee, both wearing face mask

What Do Mental Health Vocational Program Individuals Experience?

Coaching, mentoring, assistance, and priority assistance from start to finish — that’s what our individuals experience as part of our Mental Health Vocational Program.

Once individuals identify their total needs, Employment Consultants will work with them to search for the right company and position. The process involves pre-employment training that helps an individual complete a stellar resume, preparing for and mastering interviews, and providing them with the practice they need to negotiate a salary or wage that fits the value they bring.

As an ongoing form of support, Employment Consultants continue to provide mentorship, feedback, and coaching to individuals by identifying further resources, helping in job training, and developing opportunities to improve professionally.

Here are but a few of the significant benefits our past individuals have successfully experienced:

Landing engaging and rewarding employment opportunities that are individualized to their capacities and needs
Having the chance to work in positions that actually interest our individuals and fulfill a desire to learn more about that vocation
Feeling like a valued and included member of the community by receiving wages, benefits, and hours of employment that fit their needs and lifestyle
Progressively increased scope and an expanding opportunity to take on more responsibilities
Gaining employment in companies that want to promote from within and maintain long-term relationships with employees
Witnessing firsthand how self-sufficient, independent, and reliable they truly are
Thriving, flourishing, and growing their sense of self and vocational competency in safe working conditions

What Does the Mental Health Vocational Program Include?

Assessment

During the Assessment portion, Employment Consultants help to evaluate an individual's skills based on the functions of the job and the situations that are likely to arise when working in the position. Individuals share their interests and values at this point so that the Employment Consultant can find the right match. Consultants can also offer on-the-job evaluations for individuals working in paid or volunteer positions.

Career Planning

Once Employment Consultants know what they’re working with, they can better guide an individual to focus on particular niches of employment. Together, Consultants and individuals design the ideal career “path” and then get to work developing the skills, strengths, and competencies that help them achieve their dream job.

Work Adjustment Training

To successfully land and keep a job, individuals must have the right balance of adjustments that help them perform well, along with the opportunity to grow, learn, and improve. To that end, Employment Consultants work with individuals to develop the right standards for the workplace, including punctuality, employee expectations, dealing with supervision, accepting constructive criticism, and co-worker interactions.

Job Development & Placement

Placement is a very important and exciting phase for our individuals. At this point, Employment Consultants will reach out to and work with prospective employers to help them modify, adjust, and tailor positions so that individuals can shine as well as deliver on an employer’s expectations. They will also help to negotiate salary and benefits.

Mentoring

We don’t take a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach to our individuals’ experience in this program. Instead, we recognize that the beginning of a job is a crucial time of transition and adjustment. Our Employment Consultants will work with employers to find co-workers who can connect with and mentor individuals who are new on the job. As they learn the ropes and become integrated into the company’s culture, they’re able to thrive when they have friends and mentors they can trust.

Job Coaching

Another way that we provide accountability and ongoing improvement for individuals is through job coaching. Individuals participating in this take advantage of one-on-one and group support at a job site with Employment Consultants. This helps new placements or those performing new functions discuss their experiences and gain insights into how they can improve.

Employer Consultation

While individuals are not directly involved in this aspect, they do directly benefit from the relationship between Employment Consultants and employers. We forge this long-term relationship to ensure that our guidance and training actually align with the company’s training. In our view, that’s one of the most effective ways to make sure individuals feel confident on the job and placements work out long term.

Support Groups

Connection happens in many different settings. One of them is our coordinated support groups. Individuals who attend these work forums, organized by Employment Consultants, can meet others like them and share their wins or concerns. Over time, there’s a community feeling and a tangible network of relationships that enhances learning, reduces isolation, and generates a shared understanding of employer expectations.

Long-term Support

Personal and professional growth is a lifelong journey, which means that our support does not stop once placement begins. Instead, our individuals benefit from long-term support even after they complete their initial job coaching. Employment Consultants are always available for face-to-face contact twice a month or even on a per-need basis.