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Anxiety and Homeless Persons Seeking EmploymentSeth KlinehofferSeptember 10, 2015RationaleDuring my practicum work at a community mental health center, I have had the opportunity to work with clients of many backgrounds. We have a substantial population of clients who are either homeless or “effectively homeless” (meaning they move around regularly to whomever will provide them with residence but have no set home of their own). A common thread among these individuals is anxiety, manifesting itself in the form of both anxiety in dealing with others as well as finding employment. As many of the members of this group may have past criminal records, and nearly all of them will have transportation limitations; these factors will also be assessed. This plan will involve a four-step program to aid in reducing anxiety among the homeless as they attempt to seek out employment. One of the components of this plan will involve websites with information useful to those seeking work. As the targets of this project are homeless, computer and internet access will also be a factor. Therefore we hope to integrate usage of these tools into the overall project, as these may also be sources of anxiety for those who may be unfamiliar with their usage. To this end, in all four sessions, there will be time at the end for practice using computers for a brief period.While the general objective here is to promote the obtaining of employment, unlike most job programs, a special focus will be placed on the anxiety that members have about seeking employment. Through every step, we will work to alleviate this anxiety and empower the members to take control of their lives and become self-sufficient in their job-hunting. Session 1: Debunking stigma and promoting self-efficacyGoal: To promote positive self-worth and confidence.Objectives:Through peer group work, members will discuss their reasons for wanting to get back into the work force.Discuss and debunk societal stereotypes regarding the homeless.Methods:In a full peer group, go around the room and have every member discuss his or her desire to find employment and their reasons for doing so.In a second round of discussion, have each member write down one stereotype about the homeless. After this, a member will read the statements aloud and the members will have time to respond to said statements.Session 2: Understanding the Job-Search ProcessGoal: To help clients understand what is involved in job searching in the 21st century, as well as how to manage the stresses and anxiety of going through this process.Objectives: Learn what sort of employment options may work for those with minimal education and means.Members learn about hindrances for some employment such as past criminal records and transportation requirements. Methods:Provide a list or general job types that are prominent in the area. Ask each member of the group to identify which are of interest to them. In this discussion, a note will be made about under-the-table jobs, discouraging the members from seeking work through sites like Craigslist. Discuss with the group the different barriers they may encounter, such as criminal records or lack of transportation. This will be done via a general discussion from counselors. Prior to this, the group will be asked not to inquire of others, nor to personally disclose, any past criminal history with the group. Another focus will be on working to curb anxiety in members who may have criminal histories or transportation issues (without directing said discussion to particular members).Session 3: Finding Potential EmployersGoal: To assess which employers may offer job opportunities in a given area.Objectives:Learn to use classified ads both in local papers as well as online.Learn to produce a resume.Learn proper interview skills.Methods:A brief explanation on how to look for jobs in classified ads.A workshop with mock interviews. Members will be paired up and one will role play as an interviewee and the other as observer while group leaders play the role of interviewer. Observers will offer feedback followed by feedback from the counselors. Then role will switch among members.A discussion will take place regarding proper attire and etiquette during interviews. In this discussion, the members will be directed to local sources of inexpensive yet decent clothing as many will lack access to such items otherwise.Session 4: Maintaining Employment.Goal: The goal will be to prepare members for maintaining their new jobs once acquired.Objectives:Learn the value of punctuality.Learn the purpose of Employee Handbooks and how to follow them.Learn the value of work ethicLearn about inequality in the workplace.Methods:A brief discussion about punctuality and work ethic. All members will participate and discuss what they think these terms mean. This will be followed by a short presentation by the counselors on the subject.Discuss employee handbooks and general rules. The group will be shown a sample employee handbook and will discuss as a group the different topics therein.A discussion will then be held regarding inequality in the workplace. A video will be viewed regarding discrimination. Following this, a discussion on this subject and what qualifies as discrimination will be held (employee handbook sample will also be referred to again).WebsitesResume SitesMy Perfect Resume Resume builder InformationA National Shame: Mentally Ill Homeless SitesMonster Job Search Job Interviewing ................
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