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We Can Help. 914-345-5900 • help@mhawestchester.org |
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Jobs PlusJobs Plus helps persons with serious mental illness gain rapid, competitive employment in integrated work settings with long-term supports. Is It For Me?If you are ready, willing and able to work, are prepared to obtain your job directly rather than follow lengthy, pre-vocational training, and meet the following criteria, Jobs Plus may be for you:
If you have questions, we have answers! By phone contact Mary Miller at 914-949-7035, extension 203, by fax use 914-949-5802, call our Information and Referral Service at 914-345-5900, extension 240, or send an e-mail message to help@mhawestchester.org. What We DeliverJobs Plus operates under these principles: Rapid Job Search - Participants are expected to obtain jobs directly, rather then following lengthy pre-vocational training. We believe in a “place-train” approach whereby participants are first given assistance in obtaining jobs. Then support takes place either on or off the job site. The participant and the Employment Specialist develop a plan on who will do what in the job search process. For some participants the Employment Specialist may take a very active role. For example, the Employment Specialist may find job opportunities through the newspaper, the Internet, employer visits, contacts with human resource departments, networking and community outreach. For some participants who may need less support, the Employment Specialist may be responsible only for faxing or e-mailing resumes. The job search process is an individual process which is dependent on the needs and desires of the participant. Once a job is obtained, job-specific training and support can be provided on the job or off-site. Integration of Rehabilitation and Mental Health - Employment is viewed as an integral component of the participant’s mental health treatment. The Employment Specialist works closely with the participant to figure out how clinical services can be supportive of the goal to obtain and maintain employment. Attention to Participant Strengths and Preferences - Participants lead the job search and make decisions regarding what type of employment they want, where they will work, when they will work and what, if any, supports they will need. Employment Specialists can be consulted for assistance, but the Employment Specialist does not make decisions for the participant. Participants attend a brief set of classes to help determine what type of work is desired and how to promote wellness in the workplace. A resume is created, and an Employment Specialist works with the participant to obtain job interviews until the participant is hired or calls off the job search. Once employment is obtained, the Employment Specialist helps the participant with work-related issues and works with the participant’s treatment team. Placement is the beginning of a work history and a career path, not just getting a job that may or may not last. Participants have access to:
WhereJobs Plus is located at: 29 Sterling Avenue Click here for How Can I Get Here? Employment Specialists will also meet participants in the place of their choosing such as on the job, at home, at a program site or in the community. WhenJobs Plus is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In addition, staff schedules are flexible so staff members can meet with participants before or after work or on the weekends, when necessary. This is to ensure participants receive services when and where they need them. Languages SpokenServices are available in English and Spanish. Se habla Español. CostThere is no charge for services. The New York State Office of Mental Health, the Westchester Department of Community Mental Health, and the New York State Education Department VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) provide funds so consumers of mental health services can have access to Jobs Plus. Staff/Service ProvidersJobs Plus staff members are chosen for their ability to develop relationships with employers and program participants. Once these relationships are formed, the Jobs Plus staff person must then be able to match employer to potential employee and potential employee to employer. Jobs Plus staff members come from a variety of backgrounds, both in and out of the human services field. Most Jobs Plus staff have had jobs in the private sector or are involved in their local communities so they have access to job opportunities, possible contacts and hiring practices. Jobs Plus staff members have:
Jobs Plus is staffed with a Director who holds a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling, Employment Specialists and a Mental Health Professional. Return to the top of the page.
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