The Midtown Project

A Collaboration Between Midtown Community Mental Health Center & Vocational

Rehabilitation

Evidence Based Practices: Supported Employment

Eligibility is based on consumer choice Supported employment is integrated

with treatment Competitive employment is the goal. Job search starts soon after a consumer

expresses interest in working. Follow-Along supports are continuous Consumer preferences are important

What is Most Critical?

The following components are predictive of better employment outcomes: Focus on competitive employment Rapid job searches Jobs tailored to individuals Time unlimited follow-along supports Integration of supported employment and

mental health services Zero exclusion criteria

Homelessness and Employment

Employment Outreach Challenge Traditional Concepts of

Readiness Pay Attention to Recovery Employ Creative Goal-Setting and

Redefine Failure Job Development & Placement Managing Transition to Work

Step 1: The Problem

Indianapolis Mental Health and Employment System of Care

Focus of collaboration is employment for people with mental illness.

Barriers to employment for people with mental illness.

Most Significant Barrier? Vocational Rehabilitation!

Step 2: The Challenge

Is there validity to the perceptions? In January 2006 it took an average of 39

days from referral to VR to referral back to Midtown for Employment Services.

What information does the VR Counselor need in order to make an eligibility determination?

Step 3: Systems Change

Relationship Building Flexibility Communication, Communication,

Communication! Customer Focused

We serve the needs of the individual, as opposed to the agency we represent.

Getting Started Meeting Regularly Midtown Orientation to VR

VR Counselor went through Midtown New Employee Orientation

Logistics Office Space, Computer, Printer, Telephone,

Mailbox, VR Access to IRIS Schedule

What day will the VR Counselor be at Midtown? How many applications per day are feasible?

How to Minimize “No Shows” Including Last Minute Substitutions

Coordination of the Process

Identify a “Point of Contact” at the Mental Health Center

Prior to Intake Develop: Interview Schedule Collateral Information Social Security Verification

VR Counselor Certifies Eligibility VR Counselor schedules eligible customers for

first meeting with Employment Specialist to start Milestone 1.

The Domino Effect

Referral sources expand to include: ACT Teams Card Shop Drop In Center

Midtown Crossing awarded $3000 grant Grant was written by consumers, and

provided a 3 module training on getting and keeping jobs

Modules taught by working consumers

Domino Effect (Continued)

Other Community Mental Health Centers serving Marion County had similar systems set up with VR within 5 months following the launch of the Midtown Project.

Two Sub-Committees of the Mental Health System of Care came together to develop a “Best Practice” collaboration manual and a training manual for VR Counselors and Mental Health Providers.

CENI Grant

Consumers: Wrote Grant Provided Employment Support to Other

Consumers Developed & Presented Workshop and

Modules Developed a Clothing Allowance Program

Outcomes

Reduction in number of days between referral to VR and back to Midtown

Increase in “Status 26” closures despite staff shortages 13 in FFY 2005-2006 22 in FFY 2006-2007

Peer support for maintaining employment

Close collaboration between VR Counselor and Employment Specialist.

Benefits

More timely services Increased job placements VR Counselor becomes “Mental Health

Specialist” Teamwork Mutual Respect