Affiliations: Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA | SECT Center, Anderson, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Molly Tschopp, Ph.D., C.R.C.,
Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling Psychology, Teachers College 616,
Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA. Tel.: +1 765 285 8040; Fax: +1
765 285 2067; E-mail: mktschopp@bsu.edu
Abstract: Acquiring and maintaining employment is often challenging for
individuals with psychiatric disabilities, and for those with a history of
criminal offenses additional obstacles exist. This project used focus groups to
identify ways in which supported employment providers deliver effective
services to persons with mental illness and offense histories. Successful
providers report that a sense of hope, a trusting relationship, realistic and
sincere expectations about work, and optimism on the part of both the consumer
and provider are key ingredients, as are the consumer's remorse for past
criminal activity and an action-oriented attitude toward change. Barriers to
success with this population include stigma, which varies based on psychiatric
symptoms and the nature of the criminal offense, and inadequate support.
Successful employment reflects persistence, clinical and law enforcement
supports as needed, lifestyle adjustments, face to face meetings with
employers, effective disclosure strategies, and documenting work readiness
using portfolios. Providers also cited many contributions of employment to
recovery, including increased financial resources, pride, social connections to
the community, and quality of life. Training of future professionals should
promote skills in advocacy, helping consumers develop work portfolios and other
assets, and a view of employment support that is holistic and
individualized.
