Bridgeway emphasizes vocational development as a crucial ingredient in the rehabilitation and recovery of people who have mental illness. Work is important, not only as a means of financial support, but as a self-esteem builder. Bridgeway uses the Supported Employment model of services which is recognized as the best practice to assist people who have mental health disabilities to get jobs.

Choosing a Career Path: The choosing part of Supportive Employment (SE) is helping people to decide what career they would like to pursue. Persons served meet with their assigned Employment Counselor to explore possible career opportunities based on their strengths, experiences, interests, and preferences. Potential barriers are discussed; resources for training, work experience, and accommodations are provided.

Getting the Career of Your Choosing: We assist individuals in obtaining a position of choice through practice interviews, resume building, and internet job searches. Services are provided through individual counseling.

Keeping Your Job: The Employment Service Team assists the person in doing whatever it takes to keep that job. It is done through on and off-site job coaching and individual meetings.

Services are available for those whose work attempts have been delayed or interrupted due to mental illness and include:

• Skills and qualifications assessment
• Career counseling
• Resume, application and interview preparation
• Assistance with Social Security and other benefits
• Educational goals
• Job coaching and support
• Supports related to finances, technology, social skill use, and self-employment