Supported Employment (Rushford/Meriden)
PROGRAM MISSION:
To assist individuals with severe and prolonged mental illness, through the provision of individualized supports, to obtain and maintain competitive community employment so as to achieve their maximum level of independence.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Eighteen years or older
- Resident of Meriden/Wallingford
- Meets the DMHAS definition of severe and prolonged mental illness, as well as the definition of poor
- Impairment in vocational functioning
- Desire to become employed
REFERRAL PROCESS:
Kuhn Referral form for Supported Employment Services should be submitted to Monica Pagnam, Rushford Manager of Community Support Services, who will forward to the Kuhn Program Manager. A current risk assessment should also be included with the Kuhn Referral form.
The Kuhn Program Manager is responsible for obtaining eligibility approval through Rushford prior to admitting an applicant to the program. All applicants will be interviewed to discuss their desire to work as well as the type of supports they feel would be helpful and their desired outcome of services.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Kuhn’s Supported Employment Program at Rushford serves adults throughout Meriden/Wallingford. The goal of the program is to place individuals in competitive jobs that meet their interests and needs within their own community.
Program participants will receive individualized services that may include, but are not limited to: job matching and vocational planning, job seeking skills training, job development, job counseling, time limited job coaching and placement follow up support. All program participants work with an Employment Specialist who is responsible for providing the vocational services. With the consent of the program participant, the Employment Specialist will work in conjunction with other service providers and interested parties to insure well-coordinated service delivery.
Program Participants are expected to work in partnership with Kuhn staff to develop their individualized service plans. Participants also agree to maintain scheduled appointments with program staff and prospective employers. This partnership enhances the quality of vocational services as reflected in job matching, successful transition to competitive community employment, and job satisfaction.
PROGRAM HOURS:
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Services are generally provided during those hours however, are flexible based on the needs of program participants and/or employers.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Call Geoff Crandall, Senior Program Manager at 203-630-5246
