Employment Supports

Employment is a key component in a person's recovery. Across the country and in Michigan, people are realizing the value that a person with a disability can bring to the workforce. OCHN is committed to helping people served in our public mental health system find and maintain employment.

Clubhouses

Clubhouses are community-based programs designed to support people diagnosed with a serious mental illness in their communities. Membership is voluntary and people are typically referred to Clubhouse by their case manager. One of the components of clubhouses is the provision of employment support. Clubhouse staff work with Clubhouse “members” to assist them in achieving their goals in the following employment categories.

Individual Placement & Support

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) have both adopted Individual Placement & Support (IPS) which is an evidence-based supported employment model. The IPS model has been validated and approved to assist individuals with a mental illness with their needs related to obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment. The IPS supported employment model has the following core principles:  

• Benefits Planning 
• Competitive Jobs 
• Individual Preferences 
• Integrated Employment & Treatment 
• Rapid Job Search 
• Systematic Job Development 
• Time Unlimited Support  
• Zero Exclusion Policy 

Skill Building

Skill-building services are designed to help individuals increase their economic self-sufficiency and/or to engage in meaningful activities in the community. Skill-building can be used to help with the acquisition, or improvement in self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills. When skill-building assistance is being used for employee readiness, a person must have an employment-related goal in their plan of service.

View the OCHN Employment and Skill Building Providers.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

MRS helps eligible people with disabilities achieve their employment goals. Services funded by MRS include career counseling, job readiness training, job development, job placement, job coaching, assistance with uniforms, or work required items to secure and maintain employment.

Bureau of Services for Blind People (BSBP)

BSBP assists people who are blind or visually impaired achieve their employment goals, as well as community independence. Services funded by BSBP include career counseling, training, adaptive equipment, job development, job placement, and job coaching.