Volume 6, Issue 1 January 2015

Employment Services 1202 Morena Blvd., Suite 201

San Diego, CA 92110

Main: 619-276-8071 Fax: 619-276-3542

employs-admin@mhsinc.org

Employment Services provides assistance and support to people with mental health challenges in securing meaningful and sustain-ing regular part-time and full-time jobs of their choice. The program focuses and builds on the client’s strengths and abilities. Another important element of the program is learning how to manage symp-toms that may interfere with find-ing and keeping a job.

Employment Services is funded by the Department of Rehabiltation and County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency

Work WORKS! Employment Services Newsletter

Inside this issue: ES at Community Events 1 Employment Services Does It Again—CARF ................. 2 Using Technology to Aid your Job Search & Reinventing your Job Search in the New Year ……….……………..3 Active Safety (A-S) Work Practices………………...4

- Disclaimer -

In the September 2014 issue of Work WORKS!, Article “Body Language and the Interview,” authors should have read - careerbuilder.com & lasocareers.com

Jobtoberfest 2014: Robert Loeun, District Adminis-trator, Dept. of Rehabilitation & Dr. Piedad Garcia,

Assistant Deputy Director SDBHS

Kathy Young, JD (center) with TJ Maxx Managers Jeff Hendricks & Annemarie Pimentel at the

MHS Holiday Open House

Kim Bond, MHS President & Kathy Young, JD, Carey Kastama and Vee Mateo of Image Staffing, Inc. at the MHS

Holiday Open House

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Home Office: 9465 Farnham Street, San Diego, CA 92123

P (858) 573-2600 F (858) 573-2602

mhsinc.org

The Commission on Ac-creditation of Rehabilitation

Facilities (CARF) announced that Mental Health Systems (MHS), Employment Services pro-gram has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Employ-ment Services: in the areas of Job Development, and Employment Supports. The latest accreditation is the sixth consecutive three-year accreditation that the inter-national accrediting body has awarded to MHS, Em-ployment Services. This decision represents the highest level of accredita-tion that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substan-tial conformance to the CARF standards.

By Kay Masaryk, M.S., C.P.R.P., Program Manager

We are proud to an-nounce that once again MHS Employment Services has been awarded a three-year accreditation! The CARF surveyors indicated that “the program is one of the top employment programs that we have ever reviewed!” Furthermore, I want to share some of the Survey Summary comments: “It is evident that the relationships between staff members and consumers

are strong and based on a commitment to independence, wellness, recov-ery, employment success, dignity, and respect, and that these values form the foundation for every aspect of MHS, ES’ successful service delivery model.

“During interviews with a variety of community employers throughout the (county) service area, it was evident that the organization is well respected by employers for the quality and professionalism of its services and its ef-forts to improve the lives of consumers. Conversations with employers clearly showed that the organization’s staff members are responsive to the employers’ needs and function as an effective and valued partner.”

“Throughout interviews with consumers it is evident that they are very sat-isfied with the quality; flexibility; consistency; and, most importantly, the outcome of services provided to them. Consumers consistently spoke of the importance of their jobs in their lives and the importance of MHS, ES in making that possible.”

As 2015 begins, our ES Team is diligently working to keep our outreach strong; consistently reviews effective strategies to assist each con-sumer in their preparation to go back to work; increase development and placement strategies; sustain our education efforts to educate employers of the abilities of our mental health population; and strengthen our efforts for our participants to achieve maximum independence by developing healthy natural supports and good coworker relationships. Thank you to the MHS Leadership, Staff and Board Members, County Behavioral Health and Dept. of Rehabilitation partners, the ES Team, ES Advisory Board, alumni, family members and all the consumers who are involved with us and who advocate for our program.

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Using Technology to Aid Your Job Search by Ray Zambo, Employment Specialist

Technology has aided mankind in accomplishing many feats throughout time - from flying the skies to drilling for oil. As is well known, the majority of job seekers use a computer and the Internet to look for work; it's an almost invariable necessity. Websites such as snagajob.com and careerbuilder.com posts open positions in a variety of industries. Craigslist has provided good leads and clients have successfully gotten jobs from these postings. Setting up job alerts on sites such as Indeed.com are a must, as well as YouTube for visual interviewing ideas. Whether you use a Smartphone, iPhone or iPad, all these devices have one thing in common - the ability to download job-search related applications. One such application, Monster Worldwide, is a step by step guide that provides advice and coaching through every stage of an interview including; con-ducting company research, to asking the right ques-tions and follow up etiquette. You can even record your answers to questions with video, audio and text responses. Glassdoor is an app that gives you the latest job listings as well as company re- views and salary reports shared by those who know the company best – the em-ployees. Resume Star is an effective resume tool that is as sim-ple as filling in your pertinent information and Re-sume Star produces a clean, correctly formatted PDF resume you can send directly, post online or print. These employment related apps and hundreds more are all located in the App Store and are usually free to download. Just type in job search, interview ques-tions, etc. in the search field and you'll tap into a plethora of apps that will aid in getting you your next job.

JOB DEVELOPMENT CORNER “REINVENTING YOUR JOB SEARCH IN THE

NEW YEAR” By Kathy Young, Job Developer

Think about opportunities that are bridges to employ-ment, they may be temporary positions that present employment during the year. You can build skill sets and list the position on your resume. It is an excellent way to build a network. 80% of jobs are not adver-tised, and are obtained through relationships we de-velop; on the job, clubs, schools, churches, friend-ships and volunteering are a few examples. For example companies have inventory in the New Year and there are plenty of agencies that perform these services. Seasonal Inventory Jobs Inventory Management, Lemon Grove World Trans Services in San Diego RGIA. San Diego All Alliance International, Chula Vista Higs Auditing Service, El Cajon Floral Positions There are several busy times for the floral business a year. Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Father’s Day are some examples. Allen’s Flowers East County Conroy’s Flowers Pro Flowers Retail Positions Often you can parlay a temporary, seasonal position into a permanent job with hard work, and a great atti-tude. Macy’s Kohl’s TJ Maxx Ross Home Goods Volunteering Volunteering is another way to build skills and confi-dence. Again volunteering can be utilized on your resume and is a great way to network! Clubhouses Schools Hospitals

Go Employment

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Active Safety (A-S) Work Practices Submitted by April Longhurst, ES Office Manager and Health & Safety Officer

Adapted from MHS Health & Safety Guide

The purpose of the Active Safety (A-S) Work Practices is to assist those currently employed in making safety a regular part of your daily work habits. This is a minimum guide to help identify your responsibilities for a safe work environment. Ask your Supervisor if there are other responsibilities you should be aware of, or are responsi-ble for. A. Slips, Trips and Falls are the most common injury--pay close attention to slip, trip, and fall hazards. B. Assist in keeping all walkways and aisles clear of any debris. C. Warn other employees of the hazards created by your activities. Do not allow others to be victimized by

known hazards on the job. D. Report all accidents / near misses, and injuries, no matter how slight to your Supervisor immediately. E. Cooperate in investigations of accidents to identify the cause and to prevent recurrence. F. Promptly report to Supervisor any unsafe acts, practices, or conditions you observe. G. Become familiar with and observe safe work procedures during the course of your work activities. H. Obey all safety rules and follow published work instructions. I. Inspect all equipment prior to use and report any unsafe conditions to Supervisor or designee. J. Do not engage in horseplay and be courteous to the people around you. K. Submit any suggestions for accident prevention which may assist in improved working conditions or work

practices to the Supervisor or designee. L. Smoking is prohibited in the work site buildings. Ask where or if it is appropriate to smoke M. Weapons of any kind are not allowed on the job. N. Do not posses use or introduce any kind of liquor or illegal drugs in any work area or facility or on any custom-

er’s property, or you will be discharged immediately. O. Keep your workspace in a neat and ergonomically safe manner. P. Be sure you are familiar with emergency procedures and rules for evacuation. Fire reporting procedures are

included on the front cover of Telephone Books. Q. When using the stairs, hold on the handrails. R. Always use ladders or stepping stools for out of reach places (do not use chairs or desks). S. When lifting anything heavy or awkward, ask for help or use appropriate carts or hand trucks.

Remember: Safety depends on you! Common sense is the best rule. Think and plan ahead. Watch for the other person and watch out for yourself.

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Elizabeth "Liz" Magana, Administrative Assistant Elizabeth started with Mental Health Systems in July 2010 with San Diego Employment So-lutions as an Administrative Assistant. She transferred to Employment Services in October 2011. Elizabeth is responsible for inputting all client information into a database, and as-sists clients and staff with clerical support. She greets staff and clients with a smile and cheerful voice. Elizabeth is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Skyler Samaniego, Employment Specialist, South Bay Skyler has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his work experience includes being a mental health counselor in an acute and outpatient psychiatric facility, case manager for troubled adolescents and an alcohol and drug case manager. Skyler is bilingual in English and Spanish. He has been with Employment Services since 2004.

Kathy Young, SHRM Member, Regional Job Developer Kathy has her degree in business administration and has worked with individuals with multiple barriers to employment since 1998. Prior to going into social work, she was a business owner and an HR Manager. She has worked for the County of San Diego for Welfare-To-Work, CalWORKs, and as a Supervisor for ACS (formerly Lockheed Martin). Her focus at ES is to teach and manage staff to assist individuals with psychiatric barriers, from varying socioeconomic, cultural and criminal backgrounds, to find and retain employment. As a Business Service Strategist her primary function is employer outreach and development. She has been Employment Service’s Job Developer since 2008.

Kay Masaryk, MS, CPRP , Program Manager Kay offers a variety of experience with operations and mental health counseling. As Program Manager, she is responsible for the general operation of Employment Services. Her responsibilities include staff training and management, budget review, program and problem solving, development and agency representation with Department of Rehabilitation, San Diego County Mental Health and CARF accrediting surveyors. She has worked in the mental health field for over 30 years and has been with Employment Services since 2002.

Meet Your Employment Services’ Team

April Longhurst, Office Manager April has been with MHS Employment Services since 2001. She started as the Administrative Assistant and is now Office Manager. She has served on the MHS, Cultural Competency Committee, ES Risk and Accessibility Committee and is currently the ES Safety Officer. April was awarded the “Administrative Support Staff Person of the Year 2013” from the San Diego Behavioral Health Recognition Committee.

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Meet Your Employment Services’ Team

Lourdes Arce, Employment Specialist, East County Lourdes is originally from Lima, Peru. Her work experience includes over 10 years in social services, providing case management support to adults. She has worked with clients on probation, helping them with case management and working with them to overcome barriers to employment. She also worked with Cal WORKs for 2 years. Lourdes is bilingual in Spanish and English. She has been with Employment Services since September 2010.

Luis A. Blanco Jr., Employment Specialist, Central Region Luis is a former New York City Paramedic, and a State of California Employment Program Representative. As a vocational instructor for over 15 years, he has worked with various organizations in San Diego County and out of state. He coordinated with agencies to develop relationships in order to gain access to programs, employment opportunities, and other services. Specializing in job development services for clients with multiple barriers, long-term unemployed, monolingual, disabled, and ex-offenders, provides Luis a well rounded and unique approach to job development. He has been with ES since Sept 2011.

Tanya Booth, M.S., C.R.C., Employment Specialist, Central & North Inland Regions Tanya is a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Program at San Diego State University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She has an Advance Certificate specializing in mental health. She interned with the Department of Rehabilitation for over a year with a focus on individuals with a mental health diagnoses. She has several years experience working with individuals with various disabilities and the homeless populations. Tanya has been with ES since August 2011.

Helen Ravanelli, Employment Specialist, North Coastal Region Helen received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Biola University in 2012 and joined the Employment Services team in 2013. She has been providing employment and education related services since 1994 in a variety of settings such as colleges, universities, temporary staffing agencies, welfare to work programs, MHS’s Mariposa ClubhouseHelen was awarded one of RICA’s, “This Person Award” in 2013.

Raymond Zambo, MS, MFT, Employment Specialist , Central “There is no barrier that can hold back a motivated and enthusiastic candidate.” This philosophy has aided Ray to be successful when working with clients who have a disability. With a Masters in counseling and as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he works to create balance within a client's life so they may be victorious with whatever they set out to do. Ray has been with Employment Services since 2001.