MA CLUBHOUSE COALITION

Employment and the Clubhouse

Clubhouses are founded on the belief that rehabilitation and recovery from mental illness is greatly facilitated by meaningful work, including paid employment. Clubhouse philosophy includes a belief that relationships develop in the Clubhouse as members and staff work together in the running of the Centers. Bonds formed are then useful in helping “members” as they navigate the world of paid employment.

The cornerstone of Clubhouse programming is a three-tiered approach to helping people with mental illness gain employment, Transitional Employment (TE), Supported Employment (SE), and Independent Employment (IE). In each type of employment, Clubhouse staff support the member through the process of securing and maintaining gainful employment. Significant in each type of employment, is that the member is an employee of the company, earns prevailing wages, conducts the work at the employer’s place of business, and receives a paycheck directly from the company.

Transitional Employment (TE) is one of the building blocks of an effective Clubhouse employment program and is used as a stepping-stone to long-term employment success. This tier offers more intensive support. TE placements are time limited, part-time, entry-level positions that have consistent job duties and schedules and are managed by the Clubhouse in an attempt to give any member who has a desire to work, the opportunity to try. The Clubhouse staff learns the job and trains the member until all parties (the employer, the Clubhouse member, and the Clubhouse staff) agree that the member is able to work the job independently. In addition, absentee coverage is guaranteed and free of charge to the employer. Generally, transitional employment placements last for six to nine months at which point the member can work another TE or move onto Supported, Independent Employment or school for career advancement. Though TE placements are often entry-level, many Clubhouses have TE jobs which are more complex , including switch-board and mailroom jobs, which require longer periods of training. Once trained for such a job, the employee may keep the position for one year or longer. Generally, TE jobs are Monday – Friday and the hours of the jobs mirror the hours that the Clubhouse is conducting its work ordered day, generally 8:30am–5:00pm. This allows the Clubhouse to guarantee absence coverage, enabling members to develop skills and confidence while protecting the employer and the job for future members to utilize as an employment experience.

Supported Employment (SE) is defined as a job where the Clubhouse has a relationship with the employer and seeks to assist the members to retain and master the job. The level of support is defined by the member and tailored to their individual needs; members may receive on the job training and coaching from Clubhouse staff. SE jobs are not time-limited and absence coverage is not provided by the Clubhouse. A Supported Employment job may become an Independent job once less support is needed. Likewise, an Independent job may become a Supported Employment job if the member requests additional assistance from the Clubhouse.

Independent Employment (IE) jobs are not time-limited and supports are provided at the Clubhouse but not on the job site. Members have obtained these jobs with or without Clubhouse assistance. As with Supported Employment jobs, Clubhouses provide a variety of supports to members who wish to gain Independent Employment. This support includes assistance with developing a resume, conducting a job search, dressing and interviewing for jobs, addressing and resolving workplace issues that may arise, and assisting with taxes and benefit/healthcare issues. The Clubhouse also helps members in preparing for a career via employment and provides educational supports that may include researching needed training, applying for school and financial aid, tutoring and assistance with completing course work.