How to Find Schizophrenia Supported Employment

Supported employment offers individuals with schizophrenia the choice, training, means and, most importantly, the support to find and maintain viable employment.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize that you have the right to work. Many people with schizophrenia or other mental disorders and disabilities don't know or believe that they have the right be part of the workforce.

• 2

  Contact your local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) for vocational training and placement services including counseling and medical assistance. Also contact your local Public Welfare or Social Services office. They can lead you to any supported employment and/or vocational rehabilitation programs in your area.

• 3

  Call or visit your local hospital and ask the information desk about supported employment programs offered through the hospital system. Most major hospital systems offer mental health services or have local mental health program contacts.

• 4

  Minimize worry about job placement during your search. Allowing yourself to stress or worry while searching for supported employment can decrease your chance of success. This may seem like common sense, but many individuals with disabilities allow stress and worry to overwhelm their senses during a job search and then they "freeze up" or lose focus.

• 5

  Find a schizophrenia support group in your area through a service like Meetup (see Resources). Meeting or speaking with other individuals who have schizophrenia can provide new friendships, emotional support and a supported employment resource and network (i.e., those who have found supported employment and can direct you on how to do the same).