Vocational Rehabilitation Services
We believe in taking an individual approach to recovery through employment support, education and experience. We recognize that employment is an important cornerstone for community participation. Through employment, people with mental illness can build confidence in their abilities, feel valued for their contributions and develop relationships. All of these factors play a positive role in recovery by helping them to engage in their community and build a network of natural support.
We help people with mental illness prepare for work experiences that reflect their goals and are well suited to their strengths. Upon referral through WOTCH intake, a person can meet with a skilled staff person who will work with them to create an individual vocational plan. The vocational plan is developed using a self-assessment tool called the Employment Readiness Scale. This scale can identify barriers to gaining and maintaining employment as well as reveal areas of strength and competence. The results create a baseline from which to set goals and determine the ways we can best support a person in their recovery through employment.
Each person’s vocational plan will be individual to their personal goals and areas of strength. We provide support through the following services:
- One-to-one consultations with a VRS staff that will support you through each step of your vocational plan
- Workplace Social Skills Training (required training tied to improved employment outcomes)
- Support to pursue education goals
- Access to on the job training
- Peer leadership and community volunteer opportunities
- Job search support (e.g. career exploration, resume building, interview preparation, access to technology and funding support)
- Ongoing support to maximize job retention
Education and Support to Employers
Currently, 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer with a mental illness in their lifetime. In some cases this will impact their ability to work. There is a stigma attached to mental illness based on incorrect information, myths and stereotypes. Because of this stigma, mental illness is rarely discussed openly in a public forum. Symptoms can negatively impact many aspects of people’s lives, including employment, before individuals are properly diagnosed and treated. Fortunately, there are many ways an employer can create a supportive environment for employees and promote a mental health friendly workplace.
We can work one to one with employers to look at specific ways mental illness could impact their workplace and create a strategy for mutual success. We can teach you how to support an employee that is experiencing mental health challenges and provide you with resources, tools and on-site support, if necessary. We can also provide education on mental illness to your employees to help people learn how to recognize symptoms and access resources that are available to them. We believe that by educating and supporting others we can create a community that values all its members.
