Real Jobs
Supporting People with Psychiatric Disabilities in Schenectady, Saratoga and Warren-Washington Counties to Achieve Competitive Employment
What is the goal of Real JOBS?
Real JOBS is a collaboration of the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University (BBI), Schenectady County Community College (SCCC), Adirondack Community College (ACCC), and NYAPRS with the goal of supporting people with psychiatric disabilities in Schenectady, Saratoga, Washington & Warren Counties to achieve competitive jobs. The funding comes from the United States Rehabilitation Services Administration "Projects with Industry" grant.
Who are the partners?
WDI is committed to improving the lives of working people. Developed in partnership with the AFL-CIO, WDI has an in-depth knowledge of employers' needs and how to meet them. BBI's mission is to improve the social, economic and civic participation of people with disabilities through program development and research. NYAPRS is a statewide association of people who provide and/or receive services aimed at improving the quality of services of people with psychiatric disabilities. ACC and SCCC provide educational services and leadership in their regions.
What services will people with psychiatric disabilities receive?
People with psychiatric disabilities supported by RealJOBS will receive individualized vocational counseling, case management and access to a broad array of community services, including those provided by the local community colleges. A vocational counselor, based at the community college, will provide recovery-oriented and person-centered planning, individualized case management, and referrals to the services and supports that can help individuals achieve short-term employment goals as well as career aspirations as part of a long-term recovery vision. Since RealJOBS' funding is not in conflict with state funding sources (e.g., VESID, OMH, OMRDD), individuals enrolled will only benefit from a stronger network of warp-around supports, which will be particularly helpful to individuals requiring more comprehensive services than those currently available.
What support will participating programs receive?
Working closely with NYAPRS as well as SCCC and ACC, RealJOBS NY will assist mental health and vocational rehabilitation providers to provide consumers with the coordinated person-centered services, skills and supports to get and keep good jobs. Staff will receive free training and technical assistance in evidence-based and promising practices including person-centered planning, customized and supported employment, leveraging public benefits, shaping reasonable accommodations, utilizing community-college resources and other areas. In addition, programs may also receive referrals from Real JOBS, since individuals enrolled may be not receiving, and yet benefit from, formal mental health or supported employment services. Programs may also see their employment outcomes improved, as individuals enrolled may achieve and maintain competitive employment more effectively with the additional supports provided by RealJOBS.
What capacity-building will communities receive?
Real JOBS will also establish Business Advisory Councils location composed of leading employers and unions to provide guidance to the program about employers hiring needs and effective job placement strategies.
For more information about training and technical assistance on recovery-oriented employment services for providers in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Warren-Washington counties, please contact Kelly Stengel atkellys@nyaprs.org or 518-436-0008, ext. 33.
If you are an employment seeker living in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga or Warren-Washington and would like to get connected to employment services and/or peer support, please contact Donna Izzo at donnai@nyaprs.org or 518-436-0008, ext. 30
Real JOBS NY Online Resource Room:
Webinar PowerPoint Presentations:
“Making the Business Case for Hiring People with Psychiatric Conditions” (February 8, 2011)
Click here to download the presentation now!
“Strategies to Overcome Employment Barriers Presented by Criminal Records among People with Psychiatric Disabilities” (September 28, 2010)
Click to download the presentation now!
"Recovery-oriented Strategies to Improve the Employment Outcomes of People with Psychiatric Conditions" (July 29th, 2010)
Lunch and Support Flyers and resources:
“Learn How it Pay$ to Work” (February 18th, 2011) (Glens Falls, NY)
Interested in Peer Employment Support?
Click here to download the Peer Employment Support brochure