The Institute for Health and Recovery provides technical assistance to substance use disorder treatment staff regarding pre-vocational/vocational issues and job search resources. To prepare women (and men) for economic self-sufficiency, IHR provides training to staff, as well as co-leading groups, related to A Pre-Vocational Handbook for Women in Treatment. This curriculum was developed specifically by IHR to assist in integration of work-related skills and tasks into substance use disorder treatment. The handbook was field-tested in residential treatment programs across Massachusetts and is recommended by the Department of Labor.
The curriculum presents a basic overview of concepts and tasks necessary for clients who are preparing to re-enter the world of work. Many materials were designed specifically for clients with poor work histories.
Work can provide a sense of well-being, self-esteem and security to persons at certain phases of treatment/recovery. The handbook emphasizes the commonality of the soft skills necessary for relapse prevention and job retention, such as dependability, problem-solving, perseverance, excellent attendance, initiative and the ability to follow directions.
There will be clients who, for various reasons, will not be able to work upon completion of treatment. Yet most clients will need to gain employment at some point in their recovery. Indeed, vocational and economic stability can be a strong element in relapse prevention. As accessibility of government-funded vocational training programs diminishes for women with school-age children, substance use disorder treatment and homeless shelter programs are recognizing the need to help prepare their clients for the world of work. Of necessity and in spite of time constraints, more and more programs are incorporating vocational counseling and resources into their programs.
This handbook will provide residential/outpatient substance use disorder treatment and shelter providers with some of the tools necessary to help clients weave work and recovery into a life filled with hope and promise. Training and technical assistance are available.
For more information, contact Enid Watson, Vocational Specialist and Director of Screening & Early Identification, at enidwatson@healthrecovery.org or (617) 661-3991.