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Employment Services:
The UPwards Program |
UPwards is an employment program for individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis, incorporating
components of the Supported Employment model, an evidence-based practice, that emphasizes quick
assessment and job training, collaborative goal setting and job searching, while providing unlimited
supportive counseling and resources throughout the job search, placement and beyond.
Studies by eminent social scientists (Drake and Bond) have shown that this method is successful in
returning people to the workforce after a long lapse in employment due to illness, incarceration
and/or substance abuse issues.
Pre-Employment
Clients are referred to UPwards by case managers at various Urban Pathways sites and are recruited
from outpatient clinics, mental health day programs, supportive housing residences and shelters.
UPwards provides employment services to anyone motivated and interested in returning to work.
However, oftentimes clients are addressing multiple issues simultaneously, and must prioritize between
numerous appointments to obtain benefits, required attendance for medical, psychiatric, housing or
substance abuse programs that make a consistent job search difficult to maintain. UPwards
provides these clients access to counseling, a computer lab and referrals that may assist clients until
the issues have been resolved. UPwards will only enroll clients into the program when staff has
met with them three times before providing a complete array of services and resources:
- a vocational assessment to assess skills, interests and barriers;
- a complete individualized career plan;
- a three-month stipend position with on-the-job training;
- a weekly one-hour Job Search Workshop;
- individual supportive counseling and job search assistance, and
- ongoing job search support, after-placement services and future career counseling/educational guidance.
UPwards will provide clients with the stipend positions (third bullet above) at its own sites in the following
areas: clerical, maintenance, messenger, and food service. Clients receive $25/week for
job training and participation in a one hour job search group. These on-the-job training assignments
provide the opportunity to relearn basic work skills, communication with supervisors, colleagues and customers,
punctuality and grooming while addressing potential barriers that have prevented clients from excelling in the
past. It also provides a valuable reference to employers about client's most recent work experience,
habits and attitudes on the job. UPwards estimates that 30% of enrolled clients will need this level
of assistance and support, while the remaining clients, through use of resources and supports, will overcome job
search obstacles without stipend work.
During this three-month job search all clients are provided with a package that includes:
- resume paper
- flash drive
- calendar / organizer
- padfolio
- individual supportive counseling and job search assistance, and
- interview clothing or referral to The Bottomless Closet, a nonprofit agency that outfits women with interview and casual day-to-day clothing
If a client is not employed within the three month stipend portion of the program, UPwards will continue to
support the client with regular job search support, weekly individual and group supportive counseling and
continued placement efforts and resources as long as client wishes to be a part of the program.
Retention Services
Clients who become employed will receive an UPwards Platinum Pass. Platinum Pass entitlements include
a metro card, an Amex gift card and unlimited follow up services and supports including monthly career advancement
workshops and support groups, updated resume services, ongoing career exploration, and referrals to training programs
or continuing education courses to increase their skills and their opportunities for higher paying jobs in the future.
Clients employed for three consecutive months who also attend the monthly meetings will receive an additional Amex
gift card. Clients will receive another gift card for maintaining employment for six month.
FY 2012 GOALS
- Hire 2 full-time employment specialists and 1 part-time administrative assistant
- Acquire 5 new computers for computer lab
- Assess 200 people for employment services (250 and 300 in subsequent years)
- Enroll 100 people for UPwards job search activities (with 50% of clients assessed)
- Ensure 30 people enter part- or full-time employment (45 and 60 in subsequent years)
- Maintain a 65% employment retention rate for 6 months
- Create 100 new employer relationships, with an anticipated goal of creating 40 new positions
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