Affiliations:
Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Blackwood, NJ, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Joni N. Dolce, Integrated Employment Institute, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jefferson Hall-Room 210, 200 College Dr., Blackwood, NJ 08012, USA. Tel.: +1 856 566 2772; Fax: +1 856 566 6458; E-mail: dolcejn@shp.rutgers.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Individuals with psychiatric disabilities experience greater unemployment than the general population. Contributing to this high rate of unemployment is employer stigma, specifically as related to employers’ concerns regarding hiring individuals with psychiatric disabilities. OBJECTIVE:This study examined human resource (HR) professionals’ views on hiring and employing individuals with psychiatric disabilities. METHODS:Focus groups were conducted with members of a large HR association in a middle-Atlantic state. RESULTS:Two major findings in this study include the identification of specific attributes that HR professionals look for in job candidates and that the individuals who disclose a psychiatric disability before a job offer will likely be screened-out. CONCLUSION:The knowledge gained from HR professionals can be used to help prepare job seekers for the competitive employment market and assist job developers in their interactions with employers. The contrast between the model employee, as described by HR professionals, and their concerns about hiring individuals with psychiatric disabilities is further explored.
