Evidence-Based Practices: Shaping Mental Health Services Toward Recovery

Supported Employment

Workbook
Appendix E: Job Support Checklists

This section contains two checklists each for the Starting a Job, Doing a Job, Having a Crisis on the Job, and Ending a Job chapter sections. The first checklists are designed to be handed out for use by consumers. The second, expanded, checklists are intended to be used by employment specialists. Neither checklist contains every potential question and not all the questions will be relevant to every consumer.

The checklists are tools you can use to help consumers anticipate potential difficulties and make plans to avoid them. In some situations, consumers may find it helpful to have both a plan and a back-up plan. For example, if a consumer anticipates anxiety on his first day of work and feels it would help to be able to call from work, he might benefit from having another team member’s name who can serve as a back-up if you are busy. Practicing a plan ahead of time can often head off problems. For example, you might suggest to a consumer that she actually ride the public transportation system to the work site before the first day of work. The practice would give her the opportunity to experience the task, develop some comfort with it, and identify potential problem areas.

Planning for success:
Starting the job CONSUMER checklist
First Day Worries

____ What is my plan for managing the natural worries that come in the days before starting a new job?

____ Do I want extra support to get through my first day successfully?

Friends and Family

____ Have I explained my work plans to my friends and family?

____ Do they support my plans?

____ Do they have any questions or concerns that I can answer?

Work Day Schedule

____ What time do I need to go sleep the night before work?

____ What time do I need to get up to be ready for work?

____ How will I wake up during workdays?

____ What is my plan for taking medications on workdays?

____ What is my plan for food/drink during work breaks or lunch?

Transportation

____ How will I get to and return from work?

____ Who should I call if transportation problems occur?

Dressing for Work

____ How neat do I have to be for the job?

____ What do I have to do to get cleaned up for work?

____ What will I wear to work? Do I have the right clothes for the job?

Arriving at Work

____ Where do I go when I arrive at work on the first day?

____ Who do I report to?

____ How will I introduce myself to others on the job?

____ What do I do for breaks and lunch for the first day?

____ If I smoke, what are the work site regulations regarding smoking?

____ Who do I go to if I have questions at work?

Planning for success:
Doing a Job Over Time Consumer Checklist
Wages and Benefits (Income, Insurance, Housing)

____ Do I understand what will happen to my benefits?

____ What is my plan regarding reporting income changes to agencies such as Social Security, Medicaid, and others?

____ Have I shared this plan with everyone who needs to know?

____ How will I be paid?

Disclosure of Mental Illness

____ Is it a good idea to tell my boss about my mental illness?

____ If so, how will I do it?

____ Will my employment specialist help with this?

Accommodations and Support

____ Are there parts of my job that I may need to have modified for me?

____ How do I ask for this?

____ How do I get in touch with my employment specialist?

Work Tasks

____ What are the tasks I do at work?

____ How do I ask for help with these, if needed?

____ How will I know if I am doing a good job?

People at Work

____ How well am I getting along with my boss?

____ How well do I get along with my coworkers?

____ What can I do to get along better with my coworkers and boss?

Family and Friends Support

____ Who can I call after work?

____ What do my family and friends think about my working?

Money Management

____ What is my plan for the money I earn at work?

____ Do I have a bank account?

Planning For Success:
Avoiding a Crisis Consumer Checklist
Knowing Yourself

____ What are the warning signs that indicate you may be having increased symptoms?

____ How might these warning signs show up at work?

____ What is your plan if these signs show up at work?

____ If you use alcohol or drugs, how do they affect your ability to do your job?

____ Who can you contact if you feel you are experiencing a crisis and need immediate assistance?

Your Work Environment

____ What has happened at work that has been stressful?

____ What did you do to manage the situation?

____ Is there anything you would do differently in the future?

____ Are there small problems at work now that could turn into big problems?

____ Is there something that your employment specialist can do to help you?

Your Personal Environment

____ What things in your personal life cause, or might cause, increased stress (change in living arrangements, family disagreements, alcohol or drug use)?

____ How will you know if these are affecting your work?

____ What is your plan for managing these?

____ How can your employment specialist and your team be of help?

Planning For Success:
Leaving the Job Consumer Checklist
Leaving

____ What are your reasons for thinking about leaving this job?

____ What are the pros and cons about leaving this job?

____ Have you discussed your reasons for leaving with your employer?

____ Have you discussed your reasons for leaving with your employment specialist?

____ Is there anything that can be changed so that you will stay at this job?

____ If possible, would some time off change the situation for you?

____ How much notice does your employer feel is appropriate before leaving?

____ What is your plan for leaving?

____ Are your family and friends aware of your plan to leave this job?

Working Again

____ Do you want to use this employer as a reference in the future?

____ What have you learned about yourself and work from this job?

____ What is your plan for working again after you leave?

____ Have you discussed your future work plans with your employment specialist?

____ Are your family/friends aware of your future work plans?

Planning For Success:
Starting the Job, Employment Specialist Checklist
First Day Worries

Does she know it is natural to have worries about the first day of a new job?

____ Does she have a plan for managing any worries that come up the night before?

____ What will she do if she cannot sleep the night before?

____ Would she benefit from you meeting her for breakfast on the morning before work starts?

____ Would a phone call before work be helpful?

____ Are her family or friends informed about her starting work?

____ Would it be useful to check with her family if they have questions about her first day?

____ Does she know how to contact you on the first day if she needs to?

____ Is there another team member available to her on the first day if you are not?

____ Does she know whom she can ask questions of at work?

____ Is there anyone she can call after her first day of work?

Family and friends

____ Are his friends and family aware of his job plans?

____ Have you discussed the value of positive support with his support system?

____ Do his family and friends know how to contact you if necessary?

____ Have you discussed releases of information with the consumer to speak with family and friends?

____ Are his family and friends aware of your role and the ways you may be of assistance as the employment specialist?

____ What is his or her plan for childcare during working hours?

Workday Schedule

____ What is her schedule for going to bed before workdays?

____ Does this allow for adequate sleep?

____ How will she awaken on time for work?

____ What are the tasks she needs to do before going to work?

____ Has she planned for eating before going to work?

____ Has she allowed enough time to get these things done?

____ Has she practiced this plan to see how well it works?

____ What will she do if she gets behind schedule getting to work?

____ Does she have the means to contact you or her employer from home?

____ What is her plan for taking medications on workdays?

____ Has the psychiatrist or nurse reviewed this plan?

____ How will she take medications at work if she needs to?

____ What is her plan for food or drinks for breaks or lunchtime?

Public Transportation

____ Is she aware of the public transportation routes?

____ Does she know where to get on and off the public transportation?

____ Does she have a copy of the schedule and stops?

____ Has she practiced using this transportation?

____ Does she need you to accompany her?

____ What is her plan for transportation fares?

____ Does she need a transportation pass?

____ What is her plan for getting back home?

____ What will happen if she is late getting out of work?

____ Does she know whom to call if she has transportation problems?

Private Transportation

____ Who will be providing private transportation?

____ Does he know where he will be picked up?

____ Does he know what time he will be picked up?

____ Will he be driving? If so, has he driven the route?

____ Does he know where to park if driving?

____ What will he do if his ride is not there on time?

____ Does he know whom to call if he has transportation problems?

____ Does he know where he will be picked up after work?

____ Does he know what time he will be picked up after work?

____ What will he do if his ride home from work is not there?

Getting Ready for Work

____ What are her grooming habits?

____ Are they appropriate for the job?

____ Does she have what she needs for grooming (toiletries, facilities, etc.)?

____ Has she allowed enough time for hygiene and grooming?

____ What will she wear the first day at work?

____ Is this clothing appropriate for the job?

____ What is her plan for having clean clothes for workdays?

____ What is the quality of her nutritional habits?

____ Will she eat enough of the right foods to last for her workday?

Arriving at Work

____ Is he aware what time he should arrive at work?

____ Where will he enter the work site?

____ Whom does he report to on the first day?

____ Does he need you to meet him at work when he starts?

____ Is there anyone at work who will be showing him around?

____ How will he introduce himself to his coworkers?

____ Would it be helpful for you to role-play with him regarding introductions?

____ What is he expecting for the first day?

____ Does he understand what his work duties will be?

____ What is his understanding of breaks at work?

____ How long do they last and when can he take them?

____ When and how will he eat lunch at work?

____ What is the workplace policy on smoking?

____ Can he manage his smoking to fit with their policy?

____ Whom will he ask if he has questions upon arriving?

Planning For Success:
Doing a Job Over Time, Employment Specialist Checklist
Wages and Benefit (Income, Insurance, Housing)

____ Have you reviewed all the benefits (income, insurance, and housing) she is currently receiving?

____ Has she participated in developing a benefits plan?

____ Does she understand how her work income will effect her benefits?

____ Have all the work incentive plans been explored?

____ Who will report her earnings to the appropriate programs or agencies?

____ Has she signed a release of information for these if needed?

____ Have her family and friends been informed of the benefits counseling and plan?

____ Have the rest of the treatment team been informed of this plan?

____ Do her family and friends know how to contact you with benefits questions?

____ Would it be helpful for you to call her family regarding the benefits plan?

____ Does she understand when she will be paid?

____ What is her plan for when she receives her first check?

____ Does she have a bank account or place to cash her check?

____ Does she need you to help her when she receives her first check?

Disclosure of Mental Illness

____ Have you reviewed the idea of disclosure of a mental illness with him?

____ Is he aware of the pros and cons of disclosing a mental illness?

____ Have you discussed the best ways and reasons for disclosure?

____ If he wants to disclose his mental illness, how will you help?

____ What is the plan for when and how to disclose?

____ Are you and he aware of the ADA and how it relates to disclosure and accommodation?

____ Is he aware of the pros and cons of telling coworkers about his mental illness?

____ Has he signed a release of information for you to discuss his mental illness with his employer if he needs you to?

____ Are his family and friends aware of the disclosure plan?

Accommodations and Support

____ Are there parts of the job that need modification in order for her to be successful?

____ Have you and she discussed how to ask for these modifications or accommodations?

____ What is the plan for requesting modifications or accommodations?

____ Does she need you to be present when she does this?

____ Would it be helpful to role-play this in advance?

____ Is she aware of the supports available to her by you and the rest of the team?

____ What is the plan for meeting with her and her employer?

____ Does she understand she can ask for your assistance in such a meeting?

____ What is her understanding of how to contact you during workdays?

____ Does the employer know how to contact you?

____ Is the employer aware of the ways you can be supportive to him and the consumer?

Work Tasks

____ What is his understanding of his duties at work?

____ Is this consistent with your understanding of the job?

____ Are there any job duties he is unsure about?

____ How will he go about asking for help with these?

____ Does he need your assistance in asking for help?

____ How will he receive feedback about how he is doing at work?

____ How does he usually respond to criticism or praise?

____ Does he need your assistance in discussing how he is doing at work?

____ If he has a strong response to criticism, have you discussed this with his employer?

____ Would it be helpful to role-play how to discuss his job performance with his boss?

Social Skills

____ What is the quality of her social skills?

____ How comfortably and effectively is she communicating with her boss?

____ How can you be helpful in this area?

____ Is she content with her relationships with her coworkers?

____ Does she participate in conversations at breaks or lunch?

____ Are there people at her work site that intimidate or worry her?

____ Has she spoken with anyone about this?

____ Would it be helpful to discuss any coworker concerns with her boss?

____ How can you be of support to her regarding working relationships?

____ Are there specific skills teaching available through her treatment team?

____ How will she deal with friends who visit her at work? Is there a workplace policy?

Family Support

____ How involved is his family in supporting his work efforts?

____ Does he feel he is receiving positive support from his family?

____ Has he shared his work experiences with his family?

____ Are there any family members he calls to share good things about work?

____ How can you be of assistance in helping him to explain the value of this to his family?

____ Are they aware of how you can be of assistance to them and the consumer?

Money Management

____ What is the quality of his money management skills?

____ How well has he done with meeting his needs with money in the past?

____ What is his plan for managing his paychecks? Does he have a budget?

____ Does he need assistance in adjusting or developing a budget for his wages?

____ If she abuses substances, how will having new money effect this issue?

____ Does the client have a plan to address the urges that can come with money?

Planning For Success:
Avoiding A Crisis, Employment Specialist Checklist
The Person

____ What types of mental illness does he experience?

____ What does the treatment team notice about warning signs of increased symptoms?

____ How might this show up at work?

____ What does the treatment describe as his history of alcohol or substance use?

____ What work-related problems might occur with alcohol or substance use?

____ Does he sometimes stop or change his medications without the knowledge of the treatment team?

____ How will the treatment team keep you informed of any medication changes?

____ When he experiences increased symptoms, does he tell people or isolate?

____ Is there anyone on the treatment team with whom he works best when in crisis?

____ What has been helpful in managing crises recently according to his treatment team?

____ What other crisis causes, strategies, or ideas does the treatment team have regarding the consumer?

____ How does he usually react to increased stress?

____ How does he usually react to changes in his routine?

____ Does he have strong reactions to certain people (e.g., women, older men, etc.)?

The Work Environment

____ Are there situations at work that have become bothersome to her that may grow into a crisis?

____ Are there coworker relationships that are bothering her?

____ How can you be of assistance in helping her address either of these?

____ Is it useful for her employer to notify you in advance of any upcoming work changes?

____ Has she, or will she, experience changes in

____ Routine

____ Coworkers

____ Boss

____ Job duties

____ Job location

____ Job schedule

____ What have been successful ways for her to manage change in the past?

____ How will she contact you if she feels a crisis coming at work?

____ Can her employer contact you if she is having a crisis at work?

____ Who is the back-up person if you are not available for a work crisis?

____ Has she signed a release of information for you to communicate with her employer in case of a work crisis?

____ What is the plan for working with the treatment team in evaluating and helping to manage a crisis?

____ What types of emergency services are available in case of a work crisis?

The Personal Environment

____ Has she, or will she, experience stress or changes in

____ Using alcohol or drugs

____ Interpersonal conflicts

____ Medications

____ Her living situation

____ Seasons or difficult times of the year

____ Family members, friends or pets

____ Members of her treatment team

____ How does she handle increased personal stress?

____ Does she use her support network or her treatment team?

____ Does she know she can contact you if it will impact her work performance?

____ Does she know how to contact emergency services in her area?

____ What is the plan for working with the treatment team regarding personal stress or changes?

____ Do you have a signed release of information to communicate with her family?

____ Does her family know how and when they can contact you?

Planning For Success:
Leaving the Job, Employment Specialist Checklist
Leaving

____ What are his reasons for wanting to leave his job?

____ How long has he been thinking about leaving?

____ Has he attempted to discuss these reasons with his employer?

____ How can you be of assistance if he wants to discuss his reasons with his employer?

____ Are there modifications or changes at work that would change his mind about leaving?

____ If possible, would a break from work help with his reasons for leaving?

____ Have you discussed the pros and cons of leaving his job?

____ Is he making an informed decision about leaving or staying?

____ Is he aware that leaving is his decision to make, not yours?

____ What length of notice does the employer expect before he leaves?

____ Does he understand the benefits of giving an appropriate notice?

____ Will he want to use this employer as a reference in the future?

____ If he leaves, does his current position fit the desires of another consumer?

____ Does he have another job to go to, as it is often easier to find a job if you are already employed?

____ Have his family and friends been informed of his decision to leave?

____ Has the treatment team been informed of his decision to leave?

____ What is the plan for notifying benefits programs or agencies?

____ How can you be helpful to him so that he may leave his job successfully?

Working Again

____ Does he know how to get a reference from his employer?

____ What has he learned about working from the job he is leaving?

____ What, if anything, would he do differently in his next job?

____ What is his plan for working again in the future?

____ Is this a realistic plan?

____ Have you done a reassessment of his job skills and preferences based on the job he is leaving?

____ What are the pros and cons of his future work plan?

____ Have his family and friends been informed of the new work plan?

____ Has the treatment team been informed of the new work plan?

____ How can you be of assistance in developing and sharing his new work plan?

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