Employment

People wtih a mental illness experience disproportionately high levels of unemployment; some estimates place this level as high as 85%. These people have the desire and skills to work and with the right support can successfully gain and maintain employment. Barriers to employment include; anxiety, a broken work history and stigma. Stepping Stone Clubhouse has been supporting members back into employment for 15 years with a great deal of success. Access to employment is critical in ensuring that people who experience mental illness are fully included in their communities and working is positively linked with overall wellness and quality of life.

Transitional Employment

The Transitional Employment Program allows members who lack work experience, confidence or skills for open employment, the opportunity to work at real jobs for real pay. Members are given unlimited opportunities at TE regardless of past work history or unsuccessful attempts. There is no such thing as failure at TE.

Characteristics of Transitional Employment:

• 6 to 9 months temporary work
• Members are paid at award wages
• Members complete TE work at the employer’s place of business
• All TE work is entry level and does not require qualifications
• An absence of work history and or hospitalisation will not affect a member’s chance to obtain a TE
• No resume or interview required (selection of TE workers is done by clubhouse staff and members)

Transitional Employers

Several employers are benefiting from all that Transitional Employment has to offer.  Stepping Stone Clubhouse currently has partnerships with several employers including, Aker Solutions, Salvation Army, Jackpot Noodles,  Brisbane Catholic Education Centre, Kats Automotive, Integra, Coolibah Family Respite, Coloursplash, Jerendine Family Respite,  Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.  Thank-you to these employers who have provided wonderful employment opportunities for our members.

If you are an Employer and would like to find out more about how Stepping Stone Clubhouse’s Transitional Employment program can help you please contact us on 38471058 or employment@steppingstoneclubhouse.org.au

Supported Employment

Supported Employment is designed to assist members to obtain and keep their own employment, of their choice (as opposed to Transitional Employment which, is temporary). We can offer help with resume writing, writing applications and interview preparation. Stepping Stone also provides support to members once they find employment. Support while in employment is primarily provided by staff and is based on relationships and communication with employers and members. Disclosure of illness to employer is your choice.

Stepping Stone Clubhouse currently has partnerships with several employers including, Bunnings, The Park – Centre for Mental Health, Endeavour Foundation, Queensland Council of Mental Health Research, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Lifestyles Connections, Open Minds, Jerendine Family Respite and the PA Hospital..  Thank-you to all the employers who have provided wonderful employment opportunities for our members.

Click here to read member testimonials

"Creating Pathways to Better Mental Health"