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 in FFY 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