Should we provide advice to our family member on selecting a goal?
It is helpful if you have or can direct your family member to find up-to-date information about local job markets. If you have employer contacts, share those as well – word of mouth is still the #1 way that people in general find work. Families do not have to be the Employment Specialists but can assist with personal contacts and support to the family member in their ability to make their own choices.
Families need to avoid the same errors sometimes made by professionals – that is to encourage taking “any job” without considering the person’s own goals or the right job “fit”. Sometimes you have very helpful information and the best you can do is present the information (in a neutral manner) as information, not advice.
It is always a delicate role to be parents of an adult! If you’re interested in a Supported Employment programs, please contact your state’s Department of Mental Health.
What should I do if my family member is put on a waiting list for employment services programs
Be sure to stay on the waiting list such as periodic phone calls, emails, or written notes to ensure a place. Your family member could find out if there are actions which they can take during the wait period that would help to accelerate the process. These activities might include attending a job-related group, getting necessary reports to the agency, reading materials, doing some Self-Directed activities or finding someone in the chosen type of work to interview.
In the meantime, your family member can participate in the activities that are in their wellness plan to minimize stress and increase health. Both of these goals can be an asset to the job seeker. Also, they can investigate the many online resources that relate to the fields of interest or to job development.