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Mental Health Vocational Program (MHVP)

This program is not available at this time,
but it will re-open soon.

The Vocational Program at CBS is founded on several principles:

Productive work is beneficial to mental and emotional health
A wide range of resources should be available for training and job-hunting assistance
A focus on individual strengths and interests yields the best job-hunting results
Motivation is the most important factor in a successful job search
Extended training and preparation are available for those who want it, while immediate assistance in finding a good job is offered to those who prefer that approach
Getting and keeping a good job is a learning process; losing a job or choosing to leave a job are viewed as learning experiences in a continuing process
Vocational support is most worthwhile when it's ongoing, this support is offered in all phases of the employment process - finding, obtaining and retaining a good job

Orientation and Assessment

Each client in the Vocational Program receives an orientation that includes information about: Specific Services Provided, Rights and Responsibilities, the role of the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DORS), the advantages and disadvantages of the disclosure of an illness to an employer, the IPS Vocational Model (Rapid Placement and Ongoing Support), the effect of paid work on Entitlements and Discharge procedures.

Each client also meets with a vocational staff person who conducts an initial assessment regarding individual strengths, skills and interests. Educational background and previous work experience are also explored during this assessment. From this information, an Individual Vocational Plan (IVP) is developed to guide each client and the vocational staff in finding and obtaining a good job for each individual client.

Job Club, Job Development and Job Coaching

Vocational Program staff conduct classes on topics ranging from preparing for a job interview to watching for signs of stress on a new job. These classes are voluntary and open to all clients in the CBS Vocational Program. Job Development is the support that staff give to clients looking for work by recommending potential employers i the area and helping clients 'develop' new places to look for a good job. Once a client has gotten a job, staff provide job coaching to help resolve any problems and help retain the job.

For more information about the CBS Vocational Program, including how to enroll, call CBS's main number at (410) 297-2271 and ask to speak with a Vocational Program staff member.

Grant Information