CHOOSE	GET	KEEP

Did you know that the unemployment rate for people with serious and persistent
mental illness has been reported to be about 85% (Moss & Johnsen, 1997; Rutman,
1994)? While this is true, it doesn't have to stay this way. In fact, research shows that
70% of people in this same group say that they want to work (Bond, 2001). Here at
The Career Connection we believe them! You may ask, "Why is this unemployment rate so high?" There are a number of barriers that, in the past, have prevented persons with mental illness from working. These include, but are not limited to:

	Reluctance of employers to hire persons who have a mental illness
	Social stigma connected with mental illness
	Questions about what the stress of working will do to one's health
	Reasonable concerns about SSI and/or SSDI if one is employed
	Lack of transportation systems available (especially here in NJ)

But barriers can be moved, or even, removed. The social stigma connected with mental illness is being reduced as more persons with mental illness are integrated into communities and show others that their illness is only a small piece of who they are, and not what they are. More and more, employers are willing to hire qualified individuals who have a mental illness. Also, with better understanding of the nature and causes of mental illness among healthcare professionals, and improved medications to treat its various forms, symptoms can be reduced and a more fulfilling lifestyle is possible. This lifestyle includes employment.

 Armed with information about the Work Incentives programs being established in NJ through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and with the knowledge of how The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals from employment bias, mental health consumers are now in a better position to advocate for themselves as potential employees at any and all levels of employment. More and more, the "playing field" of employment is being leveled so that people who suffer with mental illness and yet want to contribute to society (and to their own health and welfare) by working will find that this is an achievable goal.

This tool kit offers concrete and up-to-date information for those who seek to enter or return to the workplace based on their skills and abilities, and not on their disabilities or the stigma associated with mental illness. It is divided into three sections:

	Choosing Employment
	Getting Employment
	Keeping Employment

Together, these three sections provide useful tools to plan and achieve the goal of successful and meaningful employment. This tool kit is meant to help you make an informed choice about employment.

The staff of The Career Connection looks forward to working with you to help identify and achieve the goals of your own career plan. The Career Connection encourages you to use this tool kit as a resource in choosing, getting, and keeping the job you want!

CHOOSE
 

Finding the right job is like shopping for the right clothes: we search not only for what we like, but also for what "fits" us! The right job for each of us will be the one that satisfies both of these things. Knowing what kind of job this is involves getting to know ourselves. This section of the tool kit includes information to help in doing this.
 

GET

• Developing a resume - what to put in, and what to leave out
• Writing a cover letter
• The interview process
• How to obtain a reliable reference
• The job application process
• Writing a "thank-you" note

KEEP

The rest of this Tool-Kit includes information about making the transition to a new job. It includes information on:

• Keeping a Positive Attitude
• Support Systems
• Managing Stress

In addition, you may find this information useful after you have been working for some time. To request a copy of the toolkit, contact us.

The Career Connection Employment Resource Institute looks forward to working with you. For more information, please contact us at

The Career Connection Employment Resource Institute
88 Pompton Avenue, Suite 5• Verona, NJ 07044

Phone: (973) 571-4100 • Fax: (973) 571-2222 • E-mail: info@thecareerconnection.org