Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan CY(1), Chan TP(1), Chan SC(2), Ho CM(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital
(2) Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital
Introduction :
Individuals with mental illnesses frequently experience a deterioration in job-seeking skills during extended periods of unemployment, which adversely impacts their competency to secure and sustain employment. This population encounters barriers, including emotional difficulties, skill deficits, and societal stigma. The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) aims to address these challenges by providing education on job-seeking skills and offering coaching support.
Objectives :
The ERP has two primary objectives:
- To enhance clients' employment readiness through job trait exploration and job-seeking skills consolidation
- To provide ongoing support for addressing mental health-related challenges in the workplace, while facilitating skill application in real-world contexts.
Methodology :
Clients in the Tai Po Hospital Community Psychiatric Services (CPS) were recruited based on specific criteria: stable mental state, unemployment duration of less than two years, and willingness to pursue employment. Two educational sessions were conducted, followed by monthly coaching sessions over three months. Assessments were performed to evaluate employment readiness using the Lam Assessment of Employment Readiness tailored for Chinese injured workers (C-LASER), employment status and salary. Additionally, a satisfaction questionnaire was administered to collect feedback.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 11 clients (3 with mood disorders and 8 with schizophrenia) participated in two rounds of ERP from March to August 2024. Key results included:
- Employment Readiness based on C-LASER: A 30.4% increase in return-to-work self-efficacy.
- Employment Status: Over 80% engaged in employment activities; 4 secured full-time jobs, 1 part-time, and 2 joined supported employment programs. 2 unemployed clients enrolled in training courses upon program completion.
- Mean Salary: Full-time clients averaged $10,875/month; part-time clients averaged $60/hour.
- Satisfaction rate: Over 60% of clients indicated that the program enhanced self-awareness through job trait exploration. Additionally, over 80% of clients reported gains in their understanding of the job market and improvement in job-seeking skills.
Way Forward:
To integrate HA GO Telehealth into post-ERP coaching sessions to enhance both group/individual formats, allowing coaching without geographical constraints. The ERP will also extend to North District Hospital CPS, focusing on using HA GO Telehealth to connect clients with community services, promoting collaboration and resource sharing among partner
