Affiliations: Toronto East Counselling and Support Service, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada | Department of Occupational Science &
Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lynn Cockburn, Assistant Professor,
Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of
Toronto, Suite 160, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1V7. Tel.:
+1 416 978 8541; E-mail: l.cockburn@utoronto.ca
Abstract: Background: This case study presents the career path of a young
Canadian man, George, as he recovered from significant mental illness and
became a support worker in the mental health field. Approach: The authors
use a case study approach to highlight a unique and individualized partnership
which developed between George and a supported employment program. Findings: The staff in the program assisted George to find work and to embark
on an exciting career path. The authors describe George's journey from
unemployed client to volunteer and student to full-time worker. Several
specific strategies and approaches were used including time unlimited support,
attention to client preferences and personal growth, advocacy, and seeing the
career journey as a multi-step process. Conclusion: Implications for
other programs are discussed. The use of individual stories can deepen
understandings of the benefits of supported employment programs. This case
study reflects how a supported employment program successfully assisted one
person's career path.
Keywords: Supported employment, toronto, case study, recovery, work
