Volume 9, Issue 1 January 2018

Employment Services 1202 Morena Blvd., Suite 201

San Diego, CA 92110

Main: 619-276-8071 Fax: 619-276-3542

Email: employs-admin@mhsinc.org

www.mhsinc.org/employment-services

Employment Services provides as-sistance and support to people with mental illness in securing meaning-ful and sustaining regular part-time and full-time jobs of their choice. The program focuses and builds on the client’s strengths and abilities. Another important element of the program is learning how to manage symptoms that may interfere with finding and keeping a job.

Employment Services is funded by the CA State Department of Rehabilitation and San Diego County Behavioral Health Services

Inside this issue: Hard Work Rewarded—CARF...1 CARF Cont.. …...………...…..... 2 Employer Presentations…..…..3 Career Centers & Resources…3 Employment Services Informa-tional Session Schedule……...4 ES Staff Members...…..……..5-6

Work WORKS! Employment Services Newsletter

Hard Work Rewarded! We are CARF Accredited Once More

By Kay Masaryk, M.S., C.P.R.P., Program Manager

We are proud to announce that once again MHS Employment Services has been awarded a gold-star Three-Year Accreditation! Our CARF process this year included our affiliate agency, San Diego Em-ployment Solutions (SDES). So Mental Health Systems has successfully been awarded their 7th con-secutive accreditation! The CARF surveyors indicated that “across the organization, the actions of the leadership and staff members reflect a culture of support and advocacy for their clients. The clients, personnel, funding sources, employers and other stakeholders expressed a high level of satisfaction with MHS/ES/SDES and its personnel.” (cont.)

MHS Employment Services: Ray Zambo ES; Danielle Brunetta, AA; Luis Blanco ES; Marie Denis ES; Kay Masaryk PM; Helen Ravanelli ES; April Longhurst OM; Tanya Booth ES; Joana Meza JD

Golby Rahimi, LMFT MHS Vice President

San Diego Employment Solutions: Vianey Del Real Ochoa PM; Gabriel Fernandez ES; Andrea Vizcarra ES; Caitlin Boreliz ES; Kim Flomenhoft JD; Jacqueline Aguila AA

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) an-nounced that Mental Health Systems (MHS), Employment Services program has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Employment Services for “Job Development, and Em-ployment Supports.” The latest accredita-tion (November 2017-2020) is the sev-enth consecutive Three-Year Accredita-tion that the international accrediting body has awarded to MHS, Employment Services. This decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conform-ance to the CARF standards.

Mental Health Systems 9465 Farnham Street, San Diego, CA 92123

P (858) 573-2600 F (858) 573-2602

mhsinc.org

CARF (continued) Here are some additional comments from the Survey Team“

• Clients expressed their gratitude for the staff members, who meet them ‘where they are.’ They stated that the staff members’ high expectations for them are individualized to their particular needs at any moment. Many clients indicated that the staff members have helped them discover personal skills of which they were unaware. They further expressed ap-preciation that the staff members go the extra mile for them by attending their graduations ceremonies and by emailing or calling them just to check in and inquire about how things are going. They commented that they are grateful the staff members do not give up on them, even when they might give up on themselves.”

• “The staff members display amazing dedication to the clients. They spoke about ‘holding hope’ for the clients who might not be holding hope for themselves. They also commented on the impact of their efforts on clients through the provision of life-changing opportunities. The clients appear to be aware that they are not ‘just a number,’ but are treated as unique individuals with specific needs and wants. Staff members also made it clear that they do not give up, and that if the client has the will, they will help him/her find the way. They also indicated that their super-visors challenge them to ensure the highest quality of services to the cli-ents and do not allow them to rest on their laurels. Staff members spoke of helping each other navigate through difficult situations and learn from one another. They stated that this strengthens them in embracing chang-es when they occur, which might otherwise be very difficult at times.”

• “Employers stated that the employment staff members effectively match the clients to their business needs. “

• “Funding sources stated that they are happy with services provided by

MHS/ES/SDES, including the outcomes the organization produces.” As 2018 begins, ES & SDES Teams are diligently working to keep our out-reach strong; consistently reviewing effective strategies to assist each client in their preparation to work; increasing development and placement strate-gies; educating employers on the abilities of our job seekers; and strengthen-ing efforts to help our working clients achieve maximum independence by promoting healthy natural support systems and good coworker relationships. Our employment teams wish to thank all our clients, staff, funding sources, community partners, MHS leadership and support staff, program advisory groups, and other stakeholders for the ongoing support! Work WORKS!

About CARF CARF International, a group of companies that includes CARF Canada and CARF Europe, is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services.

Through accreditation, CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of their services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards.

The accreditation process applies sets of standards to service areas and business practices during an on-site survey. Accreditation, however, is an ongoing process, signaling to the public that a service provider is committed to continuously improv-ing services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. Accreditation also demonstrates a provider's commitment to enhance its performance, manage its risk, and distinguish its service delivery.

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Employer Presentations Once a month Employment Services arranges an employer presentation at the central ES Morena Office. In the past few months employers, including San Diego Zoo, Job Options and Ace Parking have represented their companies. In January, The San Diego Convention Center presented their hiring pro-cess and job openings. RII (Recovery Innovations Internation-al) will present in February. Common themes of the presenta-tions (aside from how to get hired!), have been asking the re-cruiters about appropriate interviewing techniques, common mistakes made during an interview and what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. As a result, a few clients

have been hired by these employers even though they may not have thought they’d be a good fit for the job. But as the individual discovered they have the skills the employers is looking for, it’s been a win-win for both employer and job seeker! We thank our employers for their time and the valuable information they have shared with our staff and job seekers. *Employer presentations are typically on a Tuesday. Please ask your Employment Specialist for the details.*

For more Employer Recruitments and Job Fairs visit your local Career Center’s website:

Metro Career Center

metrocareercenters.org South Metro Career Center

metrocareercenters.org South County Career Center

southsdcareercenter.com East County Career Center

eccc.guhsd.net North County Coastal & Inland Career Centers

northcountycareercenters.com

SUPPORT GROUPS AND RESOURCES

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance San Diego 858-444-6776 www.Dbsasandiego.org

Recovery Innovations International of California 858-274-4650 https://riinternational.com/our-services/california/san-diego-home/

NAMI San Diego 619-543-1434 www.namisandiego.org

Recovery International 619-383-2084 www.lowselfhelpsystem.org

County of San Diego Food Assistance Directory: www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/programs/phs/documents/

FADall.pdf

San Diego Park and Recreation Department 619-525-8213

www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

Do You Need Assistance in Getting Back to Work?

Find out how you can earn money and improve the quality of your life by being employed. To Qualify for Services:

You currently receive services from a San Diego County Mental Health provider / contractor or are a Clubhouse member

You have a diagnosed psychiatric disability or mental health condition You are 18 years of age or older

With MHS Employment Services you will learn: Job choices you qualify for Skills you possess and how to apply them to your current job or develop a new career How your earnings may affect your SSI / SSDI Benefits How to enjoy and keep a job

MHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation Funded by CA State Dept. of Rehabilitation & San Diego County Behavioral Health Services

CARF –accredited since 1999- Community Employment Services

For more information attend an MHS Employment Services Informational Session

To RSVP please call 619-276-8071 ext. 0

Region Location Date and Time

Central / North Central

MHS Employment Services 1202 Morena Blvd., Ste. 201 San Diego, CA 92110

Each Monday (Except Holidays) 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

North Inland North Inland Mental Health 125 W. Mission Ave., Ste.103 Escondido, CA 92025

Second Thursday of the Month 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

North Coastal

North Coastal Mental Health 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Ste. 110 Oceanside, CA 92056

Third Thursday of the Month 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

South Region (New Location)

South County Career Center 1111 Bay Blvd., Suite E Chula Vista, CA 91911

Third Thursday of the Month 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

East Region East County Mental Health Clinic 1000 East Broadway, Ste. 210 El Cajon, CA 92021

Third Thursday of the Month 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Employment Services

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Danielle Brunetta, Administrative Assistant Since 2003 Danielle has provided employment services and office support to various non-profit agencies helping to prepare people for the world of work. This includes youth job development programs, a funding agency and most recently a shelter serving single women and families experiencing homelessness. Danielle is passionate about contributing to helping people overcome obstacles to enter and remain in the world of work and likes the quote, “Remember - regardless of the pace forward is forward.”

Meet Your Employment Services’ Team

April Longhurst, Office Manager April has been with MHS Employment Services since 2001. She started as the Administrative Assistant and is now Office Manager. She has served on the MHS, Cultural Competency Committee, ES Risk and Accessibility Committee and is currently the ES Safety Officer. April was awarded the “Administrative Support Staff Person of the Year 2013” from the San Diego Behavioral Health Recognition Committee.

Kay Masaryk, MS, CPRP , Program Manager Kay offers a variety of experience with operations and mental health counseling. As Program Manager, she is responsible for the general operation of Employment Services. Her responsibilities include staff training and management, budget review, program problem solving, development and agency representation with Department of Rehabilitation, San Diego County Behavioral Health and CARF accrediting surveyors. She was awarded the “Vocational Support Person of the Year” in 2014. She has worked for over 35 year in mental health services and been with Employment Services since 2002 and has a Masters degree in Counselor Education.

Joana Meza, Job Developer, All Regions Joana has over ten years’ experience ranging from public service to workforce, and has an Associates degree in Criminal Justice. She has worked with at-risk youth, refugees and peo-ple with disabilities by assisting them in finding employment, and previously worked as Su-pervisor for a Federally funded employment program. She’s passionate about assisting indi-viduals with multiple barriers to employment, and helping them to acknowledge and achieve their full potential.

Marie Denis, Employment Specialist, Central Region For over fifteen years Marie has provided community based services and has worked as an advocate for children and families throughout the country. Marie has worked for the Depart-ment of Children Services, New Alternative Homebase, and with a vendor of the Depart-ment of Rehabilitation in Dallas TX, to name a few. Marie is a Certified Mental Health Work-er Trainer, and has an Associates degree in Social Behavioral Science. Most recently, she worked as a Homeless Advocate Specialist for MHS Mid-Coast Regional Recovery Center. Marie’s goal is to always motivate her clients “to be the best they can be, through training, encouragement, and support.”

Meet Your Employment Services’ Team

Luis A. Blanco Jr., Employment Specialist, East Region Luis is a former NYS Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Instructor and a former State of California Employment Program Representative. Luis holds an Associates degree in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and has been a vocational instructor for over 20 years. He has worked with various organizations throughout San Diego County in order to gain access to resources, programs, employment opportunities, and other services. Specializing in job development services and readiness for clients with multiple barriers: long-term unemployed, monolingual, disabled, and/or ex-offenders provides him with a well rounded and comprehensive approach to job development. Luis has been with Employment Services since September 2011.

Tanya Booth, M.S., C.R.C., Employment Specialist, Central & North Inland Regions Tanya is a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Program at San Diego State University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She has an Advance Certificate specializing in mental health. She interned with the Department of Rehabilitation for over a year with a focus on individuals with a mental health diagnoses. She has several years experience working with individuals with various disabilities and the homeless populations. Tanya has been with Employment Services since August 2011.

Helen Ravanelli, Employment Specialist, North Coastal Region Helen received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Biola University in 2012 and joined the Employment Services team in 2013. She has been providing employment and education related services since 1994 in a variety of settings such as colleges, universities, temporary staffing agencies, welfare to work programs, MHS’s Mariposa Clubhouse Helen was awarded one of RICA’s, “This Person Award” in 2013. Helen has been with Employment Services since March 2013.

Raymond Zambo, MS, LMFT, Employment Specialist, Central Region “There is no barrier that can hold back a motivated and enthusiastic candidate.” This philosophy has aided Ray to be successful when working with clients who have a disability. With a Masters in Counseling and as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he works to create balance within a client's life so they may be victorious with whatever they set out to do. Ray has been with Employment Services since 2001.