How do I know what work skills, strengths / weaknesses my client has?

• Designing a vocational assessment based on college initial interviews but including sections on mental health will give a baseline to work from and will indicate post and current levels of functioning, as well as identifying future aspirations and motivation.
  
  
• Detailing literacy skills, confidence levels, forensic history and any potential barriers will identify whether the client is ready to enter employment and whether further support is required.
  
  
• Use the assessment as a working document to identify short and long term goals in education, training, and employment and in personal development.
  
  
• Identify what action can be planned and monitor further progression.
  
  
  
  

My client wants to move on vocationally but does not know what to do.

• Information on college courses and job outlines may assist to generate ideas.
  
  
• Invest in a computer package that requires users to answer questions regarding training and work and generates career suggestions based upon their answers. This package is updated annually and includes information on benefits, career loans and job alternatives.
  
  
• Local Careers Services and Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) will arrange appointments and use their own resources to give guidance.
  
  
• Start a work preparation group to assist clients with CVs, interview techniques, applications and letters. Allow for discussion of issues such as stigma and support. Contact specialist agencies to discuss benefits.
  
  
  
  

Is what my client wants to do realistic / achievable?

• Consider how clients have coped previously in education and work.
  
  
• Distance learning or part time opportunities may be more suitable, particularly if benefits are an issue.
  
  
• Match client’s abilities to course content or career descriptions and carefully consider whether their mental health, past convictions or a forensic history could affect their plans (careers services should be able to advise).
  
  
• Make enquiries at local colleges, they may offer additional support services.
  
  
  
  

My client attends Occupational Therapy / therapeutic activities and wants to pursue a course in something similar but feels unable to cope with college.

• Contact supported learning staff within local colleges, training centres and TECs. They may provide funding or tutors to run courses within your own departments, on a ‘discreet group’ basis. Existing therapy areas may be accredited, allowing clients to start certificate courses in a supported environment. Arrangements may even prove reciprocal, offering mental health awareness training in return.
  
  
• Involve occupational therapists, they are experienced in task analysis and may identify specific areas that need to be worked upon before any further action is taken.
  
  
  
  

My client wants to pursue meaningful occupation but feels unable to do regular work at present.

• Alternatives to full time work exist, including part time and job share.
  
  
• Local social firms and sheltered work environments will provide support if required and may offer therapeutic earnings.
  
  
• Voluntary work can be used as a method of job preparation, as well as being beneficial in building up routines, confidence and a social network. Hours can be matched to suit individuals.
  
  
• Utilise existing work areas within service/trust to offer placements, such as nursing support and administration.
  
  
  
  

My client hopes to return to work but does not feel able to manage unsupported and is concerned about potential barriers.

• Contact local employment services, they may be interested in forming a partnership with your service, offering a quick referral system and support.
  
  
• Contact your local Disability Employment Advisor (DEA). They will provide advice for people with disabilities who want to return to work and may offer support in the form of mentors.
  
  
• Specialist employment services may agree to work closely with mental health teams to support and guide clients before and whilst employed. MITRE Employment Service in Birmingham has built successful working relationships with mental health teams and employers, increasing awareness of mental health and liaising between clients and employers when required, feeding back on client progress and notifying teams if problems arise.
  
  
• Northern Birmingham Mental Health Trust has established an employment project to give clients training placement opportunities within trust services whilst offering support and guidance.

What about resources?

• Contact colleges, adult education and make enquiries about training centres. Ask for free literature and prospectuses.
  
  
• Specialist agencies, TECs and the Careers Service have a range of training/work materials which may incur a cost but will assist you in guiding your clients through work preparation. They may well have special needs/mental health forums which you can participate in.
  
  
• Learndirect is a free nationwide telephone service and database which will assist you in finding courses suitable for clients anywhere in the country, whether it be full­time, part-time or distance learning.
  
  
  
  

For further information please contact Kate Junor, Occupational Therapist, Early Intervention Service.