|
Steve recalls learning first-hand about the power of evidence-based Supported Employment (SE) services from a man with persistent symptoms of schizophrenia. Steve and his service team did not think the man could work. The consumer did not give up and proved everybody wrong.
| get full story | |
Steve Shober, BS, LSW
Consultant and Trainer
Steve provides consulting and training to service organizations in south and central Ohio that are implementing Supported Employment (SE), the evidence-based practice. SE helps people diagnosed with severe mental illness find a job of their choice in local communities with rapid job-search and placement services, as well as follow-along and other services. Steve also provides consultation and training for Benefits Planning to service organizations that are helping consumers make more informed decisions about their benefits situations and employment dreams.
(continued below)
Listen to Steve
Two clips from conversations with Steve. For more information, see the “Related Stories” section at the bottom of this page.
ABOUT STEVE (continued)
Steve brings many years of direct practice and supervision to his role at the Center for EBPs at Case. He has worked as a vocational rehabilitation specialist, job coach, and team leader (manager) who guided the implementation of evidence-based SE in Dayton, Ohio. Steve recalls learning first-hand about the power of SE from a man with persistent symptoms of schizophrenia who was expressing the desire to work but was not being given a chance until the agency adopted the SE model and service-team members, including Steve, adopted its philosophy of zero-exclusion—of not holding people back from pursuing their dreams (see “The Cheese Wall Story” below). Through the years, Steve also learned basic and advanced benefits-planning skills while on the job helping people navigate state and federal benefits programs and responding to benefits crises and other episodes of stalled recovery.
Steve’s calming voice of authority about employment and benefits services provides a comforting sense of can-do. He is a firm believer that service providers can build a foundation for service innovation and success with two basic approaches: begin with knowing some basic information about the SE model and benefits programs; and make a concerted effort to develop trusting relationships (therapeutic alliances) with the people you serve. Get to know each person as an individual—his or her concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams.
Steve is a 1991 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University’s rehabilitation services education program. Upon graduation, Steve joined Eastway Behavioral Healthcare in Dayton, Ohio where he provided vocational services, Supported Employment (SE) services, and benefits planning as a direct-service provider and team leader/manager.
RELATED STORIES
The Spirit of Benefits Planning (Audio CD)
| listen & learn more |
Every Journey Has a Story (Audio CD)
Track #8, 13, 14
| listen & learn more |
THE CHEESE WALL STORY:
Zero-exclusion is the ultimate optimism; everyone who wants to work receives supported-employment services
| listen & learn more |
Audio eConsult Series | Benefits Planning
Lessons-learned stories from direct practice; take-home tips; how to get started today
| listen & learn more | |
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
the evidence-based practice
| learn more |
7 CORE PRINCIPLES
OF SE
- Zero exclusion policy
- Consumer preferences are important
- Rapid job search
- A competitive job is the goal
- Employment is integrated with mental health services
- Time-unlimited support
- Personalized benefits planning
| get PDF |
BENEFITS PLANNING
Relationships supporting recovery
| learn more |
|
