SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Taking that step into the world of the employed again can be daunting for people with traumatic brain injury, so we support them with the same caring, individualized approach we use in treatment.
Our Supported Employment department is a vital part of community access. We work with each client to customize the client's goals for productivity, whether these are through work, volunteering, or school. Our coordinators and job coaches evaluate each patient's abilities, skills, and goals.
"Avocational" clients are either retired or not seeking gainful employment, so we match them with something they enjoy, like typing letters or a hobby. Clients at the "part-time sheltered community" level work with a job coach who lends support and supervision as they find work in places like churches, community centers, and more.
If a client's goal is "part-time community employment," we often first set up an evaluation period of their work on campus. Once a client has demonstrated the abilities necessary for outside work - promptness, diligence, appropriate behavior - we offer help with resumes, filling out applications, and interview skills. We may have a job opening available to us through a past employer or word-of-mouth, or we may canvass the neighborhood to speak to prospective employers. Sometimes, we have the client go through a phone book, contact businesses, and ask questions provided on a form we've developed specifically for this purpose.
When a client is hired, we assist in gathering the necessary papers, like a Social Security card and identification card. A job coach is assigned to document duties, rules, contacts, and other necessary information the client needs to become a successful employee. The job coach also supervises the client's progress and coordinates with family members to help ensure a good comprehensive experience. When everyone is comfortable with less supervision, the coach steps back, but checks in regularly to make sure that all parties are satisfied.
We're proud of our efforts in Supported Employment. In fact, the success of our clients often leads employers to call and request another client to work at their company - we feel this is a true testament to our success.
VOCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Volunteer Services at the Michigan Department of Human Services
Volunteer opportunities include clerical aide, transportation aide, friendly visitor, and a foster-parent advocate.
For additional information, please contact:
James Johnson
(734) 481-8377
johnsonj12@michigan.gov
Michele Pringle
(734) 481-8372
pringlem@michigan.gov
Tranquility 123
Volunteer opportunities include community service, aiding church functions and programs, and much more.
For more information, please contact:
Chad Brerdtke
(734) 796-3700
tranquility123@gmail.com
Maranatha Baptist Church
6250 Gilmore St.
Belleville, MI 48111
Sunrise Senior Living
Sunrise is an assisted living and memory impairment facility. They offer a full range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. Sunrise's senior living services are delivered by staff trained to encourage the independence, preserve the dignity, enable freedom of choice and protect the privacy of residents.
For more information, please contact:
Susan Hunt, AVC
(734) 327-1350
annarbor.avc@sunriseseniorliving.com
www.sunriseseniorliving.com
Salvation Army
For more than 100 years, The Salvation Army (TSA) has been serving Washtenaw County. Their essential services include a food pantry, soup kitchen, clothing, a family shelter, transitional housing and counseling for veterans, character building for youth, camp programs, emergency and disaster relief, utility assistance, and eviction prevention. The accomplishments of TSA could not happen without the help of their Donors and Volunteers.
For more information, please contact:
Janice Nelson
(734) 668-8353
Janice_nelson@usc.salvationarmy.org
www.sawashtenaw.org