More than half of the individuals served by DORS have a serious mental illness (SMI) as a primary or secondary disability. DORS works along with many community agencies so that individuals with SMI can go to work and stay employed.
These initiatives include:
• Participation in Johnson & Johnson and Dartmouth Community Mental Health Program that has resulted in an employment and recovery model called “Evidence-based supported employment (EBSE).” • Providing and/or referring individuals to benefits counselors who can help consumers who receive public benefits to make informed choices that support going to work
• Assigning individuals with SMI to DORS counselors who have specialized training and interest in the issues that confront individuals with mental illness
• Supporting a DORS professional workgroup that meets regularly for training and information exchange
• Arranging ongoing meetings, special agreements and cross training with the Maryland Mental Hygiene Administration and agencies that provide services to people with SMI
DORS counselors help consumers overcome the unique barriers to employment caused by mental illnesses including employer and public stigma, concerns about loss of public benefits, access to health insurance and identification of appropriate jobs
Evidence-based Supported Employment ->