Supported Employment service offered

TOLEDO CHRONICLE - The Mental Health Clinic of Tama County recently received a grant to develop a new service entitled Supported Employment. The new program is designed to assist employers in hiring quality workers and to assist potential employees who have a serious mental illness enter or return to the work force as an important part of the recovery process.

Services to be provided include:

*Helping local businesses by providing pre-screened candidates

*Providing job orientation and job coaching if needed

*Assisting in problem solving while new employees adjust to a new job

*Providing assistance to businesses wishing to expand the diversity of their workforce

*Assisting in understanding the tax related incentives for hiring employees with disabilities

National research indicates that approximately 60% of consumers with serious mental illness can be successful at working when using supported employment services. Patricia Kline, Mental Health Clinic Director, estimates that currently only 30% of Tama County residents with serious mental illness are employed. It is hoped that supported employment services can significantly impact that disparity.

Although unemployment in the nation and in Tama County is currently a major concern, many workers with a mental illness benefit most from part-time employment. It is hoped that local employers who are not able to offer additional full time employment at this time will consider this program as a source for efficient and effective part-time employees. Potential employees are pre-screened by the Supported Employment Specialist to help match skills with employer needs.

The Mental Health Clinic welcomes any opportunity to further discuss this service program with the community. For additional information or to arrange for a presentation please contact Patricia Kline or Jim Tekippe at 484-5234. -Submitted