Homeless Employment Support Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND SERVICES

This innovative service integration project will utilize the expertise in the DMH provider agency, South Middlesex Opportunity Council, to assist individuals in the target population with customized supported employment and supported training opportunities to enable them to succeed in the attainment of their employment and training objectives.

SMOC will enroll up to 50 eligible homeless Food Stamp recipients through this initiative.  SMOC will provide supportive employment services to each enrollee, including assessment, job search and placement, and ongoing follow-up for at least 120 days after a job has been secured.  The goal is for job placement to be unsubsidized and to have at least a 30-day retention rate.

This initiative will also explore how DMH and DTA can best collaborate with the mainstream US Department of Labor workforce development system, as operated by the Mass. Dept. of Workforce Development and Department of Career Services.

Employment supports will be provided on an individualized basis, as determined by needs identified in written rehabilitation plans.  Support services, including training, re-training, and ongoing support will be provided when necessary before, during and after placement into jobs in the community.  Project staff will also assist individuals in finding suitable, safe housing as well as reducing other barriers to achieving employment and education goals.  Referrals into the program will be made by DMH, mental health outreach workers, the shelters or through SMOC staff.

Specific services to be provided include:

1. DMH and DTA will actively solicit local Career Center involvement in the initiative, and providers will seek opportunities to have Career Centers deliver as many generic employment and training services to participating persons as possible.  The DMH provider will deliver the necessary support services.
2. Outreach, engagement and intake with target population from the local shelters and streets will occur;
3. Referrals as needed, including to Clubhouses, SSI, DTA, Medicaid, outpatient providers, substance abuse treatment; housing, etc;
4. Connections will be made to the local Career Center with support staff facilitating those connections;
5. Employment plan development, including goal planning, career exploration, resume writing, job readiness preparation, job development, training, coaching and placement;
6. Transportation supports to be provided by DMH provider;
7. Ongoing support once job is obtained, up to 120 days

CONTACT INFORMATION

 Christina Cutting, Home Modifaction Loan and Development Administrator

508-620-2677