Volume 10, Issue 3 Sept 2019

Employment Services 1202 Morena Blvd., Suite 201

San Diego, CA 92110

Main: 619-276-8071 Fax: 619-276-3542

www.mhsinc.org/employment-services

Employment Services provides as-sistance and support to people with mental illness in securing meaning-ful and sustaining regular part-time and full-time jobs of their choice. The program focuses and builds on the client’s strengths and abilities. Another important element of the program is learning how to manage symptoms that may interfere with finding and keeping a job.

Employment Services is funded by the Department of Rehabilitation and County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency

Inside this issue: Jobtoberfest……………………...1 Client Spotlight………….…....…1 10 Tips to Improve Your Chances at a Job Fair…………..2 Welcome New ES Staff………....2 Tis the Season of Opportuni-ties—Is a Seasonal Job For You?............................................3 Job Search Corner…….…...…..3 Work Towards Employment…..4 Talking to an Employer— 30 Second Ad.…………………..4 Employment Services Team..5-6

Work WORKS! Employment Services Newsletter

20th Annual Job Fair for People with DisABILITIES

* NEW LOCATION *

Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd,

San Diego, CA 92110

Jobtoberfest is the big-gest job fair dedicated to

employment of people with dis-ABILITIES!

MHS Employment Services, my Employment Specialist and DOR Counselor, all gave me incentive and purpose to acquire employment once again. Everyone was so helpful and propi-tious in every way. I would also like to mention that their computer services were more than adequate, this helping me acquire a Food Handlers Certificate and Food Allergen Certificate, giving me an edge as my job search went. I am very grateful to all.

The Commission on Accreditation of Re-habilitation Facilities (CARF) announced that Mental Health Systems (MHS), Em-ployment Services program has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Employment Services for “Job Development, and Employment Sup-ports.” The latest accreditation (November 2017-2020) is the seventh consecutive three-year accreditation that the interna-tional accrediting body has awarded to MHS, Employment Services. This deci-sion represents the highest level of ac-creditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards.

Mental Health Systems 9465 Farnham Street, San Diego, CA 92123

P (858) 573-2600 F (858) 573-2602

mhsinc.org

10 Tips to Improve Your Chances at a Job Fair

Attending a job fair is a proactive way of getting to know companies or industries you're interested in. It's also a great way to make contacts. You can im-prove your chances by being prepared.

1. Once inside, get a list of participating companies and choose which companies interest you.

2. Check out job openings for each company of in-terest, typically found on a listing sheet.

3. Get a floor plan map -- usually at the entrance or information table. Plan a route.

4. Stay upbeat and energized. Try to make an im-pression through your enthusiasm about the work.

5. Try to talk to the hiring manager or senior mem-ber of the team, if possible.

6. Let the person you talk to know what you have to bring to the company. Be prepared with a short statement about yourself and your background -- less than two minutes.

7. Try to get a name or business card from anyone you talk to so you can use the name as a refer-ence when you follow up.

8. Follow up by sending a letter and another copy of your resume to human resources and the hiring manager. Mention that you talked with them, or a company representative, at the fair.

9. Follow up in a week or so with a phone call, in-quiring about the position and the hiring status.

10. Use the job fair as one of many sources in plan-ning your job search.

Welcome New ES Staff Members

Left, Alysse Engleman, Employment Specialist Central Region; Right, Liz Magana, Admin Assistant

3

Tis a Season of Opportunities – Is a Seasonal Job for You?

by Helen Ravanelli, Employment Specialist

Have you considered the benefits of applying for a seasonal job? Season-

al jobs can provide a great transitional opportunity as well as a paycheck! Consider some of the benefits below as seasonal jobs help you in these ways:

Get recent experience to add to your resume Let you practice your work ready skills Help you build confidence about working Explore a job or industry Have some spending money or pay some bills Can lead to a permanent position if you put your best effort into the job, and

prove the employer it’s a benefit to have you on their team Seasonal Jobs – Types of Opportunities:

Retail – all kinds of retail locations will be hiring soon – or even now Package delivery - driver helper (UPS, FedX, Amazon) Grocery stores Halloween Stores Seasonal Tax Jobs – not just preparers; receptionist, appointment setters, start

training fall /winter Salvation Army Fundraisers - “Bell Ringer” Restaurants/Food Service Warehouse

What to do if you’re interested in a seasonal job? Talk to your Employment Specialist first to get tips on how to

promote yourself with these opportunities. They can also pro-vide you job leads or connect you directly with the employer.

Get help with interview practice, too! Be watching for “Now Hiring” signs in your local area to make your commute

easy! Stop by your local Career Center or look them up online to see what employers

they are hosting and attend. Do your research, just like you would for a non-seasonal job to make a good

impression with the employer. Don’t delay – employers will want to fill these jobs quickly in order to get you

trained and ready for a busy season! Remember – tomorrow’s successes start with the steps you take today!

Job Search Corner

Don’t forget to check out events and workshops at your local Career

Center—https://workforce.org/events/

Clubhouses are a great place to network, gain volunteer experience,

meet new people, participant in groups, fun activities and learn about

resources—Ask your Employment Specialist for a list of clubhouses

located throughout the county.

Working towards Employment…...

Congratulations to Gigi and Barbara who graduated from LEAP to Success! LEAP to Success is a workshop to supporting woman to gain confidence and empower them to find employ-ment and much more. Gigi and Barbara actively participated and showed up for six weeks of classes. The entire team at Em-ployment Services is proud of your dedication and continued growth.

Congratulations to Tina who successfully complet-ed Goodwill Industries 3 month paid training pro-gram. Tina has now been hired on as a permanent part of the team at Goodwill Industries. Employ-ment Services could not be more proud of your dedi-cation, persistence and growth Tina!

Design a 30 SECOND statement of your skills that is used to introduce yourself while: At a Job Fair, Networking, Cold calling, Inter-viewing, In a thank you note, in a Telephone call, in an Email or in the skill section of your resume. Know the qualifications of the position and tell the employer why you would be great fit! Here is an example: “I applied for your ______________ position posted in _________, dated ___________. I have over _______ years experience doing _________; ________; __________;and _________. “

Express your knowledge, skills, interest & abilities concisely to your target job. That means doing homework about the company and skill sets required to get and keep the job. Con-nect your qualifications with the job/company.

Do’s: Quantify years experience Skills Give examples Personality traits as they relate to the

job Don’t:

Ramble Personal / Financial problems Illnesses Talk about salary Politics / Religion

Talking to an Employer…….THE 30 SECOND AD

5

Meet Your Employment Services’ Team

April Longhurst, Office Manager April has been with MHS Employment Services since 2001. She started as the Administrative Assistant and is now Office Manager. She has served on the MHS, Cultural Competency Committee, ES Risk and Accessibility Committee and is currently the ES Safety Officer. April was awarded the “Administrative Support Staff Person of the Year 2013” from the San Diego Behavioral Health Recognition Committee.

Kay Masaryk, MS, CPRP , Program Manager Kay offers a variety of experience with operations and mental health counseling. As Program Manager, she is responsible for the general operation of Employment Services. Her responsibilities include staff training and management, budget review, program problem solving, development and agency representation with Department of Rehabilitation, San Diego County Behavioral Health and CARF accrediting surveyors. She was awarded the “Vocational Support Person of the Year” in 2014. She has worked for over 35 years in mental health services and been with Employment Services since 2002 and has a Masters degree in Counselor Education.

Elizabeth "Liz" Magana, Administrative Assistant Elizabeth started with Mental Health Systems in August 2019 but was previously with MHS Employment Services for 6 ½ years. Her work experience includes over 15 years in Social Services. She has an extensive background in administrative/clerical support and public relations. Elizabeth is responsible for inputting all client infor-mation and assists clients and staff with clerical support as well as co-facilitating all regional ES/DOR Informational Sessions. Elizabeth is Bilingual: Spanish/English, with full fluency both written and verbal.

Raymond Zambo, MS, LMFT, Employment Specialist, Central Region “There is no barrier that can hold back a motivated and enthusiastic candidate.” This philosophy has aided Ray to be successful when working with clients who have a disability. With a Masters in counseling and as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he works to create balance within a client's life so they may be victorious with whatever they set out to do. Ray has been with Employment Services since 2001.

Meet Your Employment Services’ Team

Luis A. Blanco Jr., Employment Specialist, East Region Luis is a former NYS Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Instructor and a former State of California Employment Program Representative. Luis holds an Associates degree in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and has been a vocational instructor for over 20 years. He has worked with various organizations throughout San Diego County in order to gain access to resources, programs, employment opportunities, and other services. Specializing in job development services and readiness for clients with multiple barriers: long-term unemployed, monolingual, disabled, and/or ex-offenders provides him with a well rounded and comprehensive approach to job development. Luis has been with Employment Services since September 2011.

Helen Ravanelli, Employment Specialist, North Coastal Region Helen received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Biola University in 2012 and joined the Employment Services team in 2013. She has been providing employment and education related services since 1994 in a variety of settings such as colleges, universities, temporary staffing agencies, welfare to work programs, MHS’s Mariposa Clubhouse Helen was awarded one of RICA’s, “This Person Award” in 2013. Helen has been with Employment Services since March 2013.

Holly Rolfe, MA, RADT, Employment Specialist, Central Region Holly began working at MHS in 2017 as a Wellness Advocate for the In-Home Outreach Team (IHOT) North, moving to the role of Care Coordinator for IHOT for over a year before joining Employment Services. Holly holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana in Elementary Education, two master’s degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA in Theology and Recovery Ministry and completed her course work for Certification in Drug and Alcohol Counseling with University of California, San Diego. Throughout her life Holly has used her desire of working with people to help others find their individual passion and purpose in life. Holly subscribes to the belief, “There is always hope in recov-ery.” Holly has been with Employment Services since January of 2019.

Alysse Engleman, Employment Specialist, Central Region Alysse joins MHS after providing employment services on an Assertive Communi-ty Treatment (ACT) team to individuals experiencing co-occurring diagnosis in-cluding MH challenges, substance use and homelessness. Alysse gained her passion for providing under resourced and served communities and populations employment opportunities, while running a national sports-based youth develop-ment AmeriCorps program. Alysse comes to the team with her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Feminist Studies from the University of California, Santa Barba-ra. Alysse has been with Employment Services since September 2019.