How Can Vocational Services Help Protect Individuals Reentering the Workforce?
Recovery can be a very sensitive time for some individuals who are facing challenges with their health. This stage not only requires one to follow pure abstinence from drugs or alcohol, but it also requires one to make several different modifications to their lifestyle for a more positive future. Making great sacrifices in recovery can help individuals safely cope with unwanted triggers to ward off intense cravings. Changes may consist of removing toxic relationships, changing one’s residence, and starting a new career path. Choosing to proceed with vocational services at Restoration Recovery can protect individuals who are reentering the workforce for a more positive path forward.
What are Vocational Services?
According to the Washington, DC, Department on Disability Services, an individual with special needs may find seeking employment to be quite challenging due to the negative social stigma received by others today. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provide rehabilitative and vocational aid to individuals who are facing challenges with their mental or physical health.
Vocational services can help such individuals facing issues with their health find employment by making professional connections with local businesses. These services help individuals reduce their dependency on entitlement programs and become official tax-paying citizens.
Challenges Finding and Maintaining Employment
For example, an individual with a disability, physical injury, or substance use disorder (SUD) may find VR services to be highly beneficial. Pursuing a VR program can aid one in regaining secure employment as well as maintaining progress for a successful future despite having a disability. VR services help promote a safe workplace and help those facing problems with finding or maintaining employment comfortably integrate into mainstream society while in recovery. Thus, choosing to move forward with a VR program can significantly reduce or completely remove tough barriers to employment opportunities.
Value of Vocational Services
VR services have been proven to provide such individuals with ongoing support when preparing for a possible career opportunity. Deciding to move forward with VR services can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life through training and resources toward a path to successful employment. There are several benefits one may find when choosing to gain VR aftercare assistance. Accommodations may vary depending on the facility chosen. VR service benefits may include:
- Guidance and counseling that is specifically tailored to an individual’s needs
- Developed skills through consistent training programs
- Assistance with job search and secure placement
- Accommodations and virtual assistance
- Ongoing support provided by a BRS specialist
- Resolution guidance
- Financial assistance
Who Would Benefit the Most From Vocational Services?
Based on the publication “Integrating Substance Abuse Treatment and Vocational Services,” an individual’s beliefs, values, and overall ability to function are comprehended in full context despite having any mental or physical differences from society. Recent research has found that a majority of individuals who face challenges finding employment include those with a substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis. Although an individual has developed improved self-esteem and a desire to succeed after treatment, vocational services have not always been readily available in some circumstances.
It has been found that addiction can be a serious barrier to finding successful employment. Sometimes VR services are incorporated within an individual’s treatment program to prepare one for a smooth recovery. This works by significantly reducing stress levels associated with a failure to find secure employment opportunities. The level of work experience should not negatively impact an individual’s ability to receive VR services. For instance, an individual with SUD who holds a lifetime work history in comparison to one who has never worked a day in their life may still be eligible to receive a different type of vocational service.
Moving Forward With Restoration Recovery’s Vocational Services
Treatment and recovery can be a very challenging yet vulnerable phase for some individuals facing problems with SUD. It is common for an individual with SUD to relapse within the first year of treatment due to unwanted triggers and stress related to major life changes. Vocational services at Restoration Recovery can help protect such individuals facing problems with SUD when reentering the workforce. Therefore, VR services can significantly reduce stress levels, help individuals gain and maintain employment, and prevent unwanted relapse.
Complementary Aftercare Services for Added Benefit
Aftercare services can enhance an individual’s emotional and state of mental health. Another aftercare program that Restoration Recovery offers is support groups. Participating in support groups can help individuals in recovery gain new opportunities through peer guidance. It can be a safe place to confide in others when facing problems finding employment due to negative stigma and tough discrimination from others. Support groups can be a complementary program to vocational services for additional benefit. Exploring other aftercare programs as well as accepting support from loved ones can promote a positive outcome for a better future moving forward.
Any individual who is ready to take the first step in a new life, free from chemical dependence, is welcome here at Restoration Recovery. Our facility understands that addiction is complex and challenging and requires a lifelong commitment to maintain sobriety. Addiction aftercare is a comprehensive and continuous support system designed to provide individuals with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to maintain their sobriety after completing our inpatient rehab. Our team understands that finding employment may be very challenging for those with SUD. Choosing to move forward with our vocational services can provide the support needed to find the right employment for you. Call us at (888) 290-0925 to learn more.
