Employment
Work can be an important step toward routine, confidence, and independence.
Transitional Employment Program (TEP)
employers, knowing the role is supported throughout the placement. Clubhouse
staff learn each position and can step in if a member is unable to work,
helping keep the placement stable.
without the pressure of having to be “perfect” from day one.
Transitional Employment placement typically:
- Last 6 to 9 months
- Are up to 20 hours per week
- Pay at least the current BC minimum wage
Benefits for Business Partners:
- Reliable shift coverage
- Guidance and support around workplace mental
health - The opportunity to provide meaningful, paid work
experience for members returning to employment
Supported Employment (SE)
ongoing employment with less day-to-day support.
positions that pay at least the current BC minimum wage. Pathways staff can
assist with job searches, interviews, and on-the-job support as needed.
Independent Employment (IE)
work on their own terms.
Support may include:
- Resume and cover letter support
- Interviewing preparation
- Career exploration and planning
- Job leads and development
- Benefits advocacy and labour market information
options that meet people where they are and support them as they move forward.
Contact Our Employment Team
Employment FAQ
Why Transitional Employment (TE)?
Transitional Employment is a highly collaborative and well established program that provides Clubhouse members with opportunities for paid employment. We have partnered with businesses for over 25 years.
How does Transitional Employment work?
- The employer provides an entry level position with a predictable schedule and job duties that is no more than 20 hours a week between the hours of 8:30am-4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- The employer trains Pathways Clubhouse staff at no cost and pays the member at least the minimum wage
- A member placement generally lasts 6-9 months then another member is selected.
- We guarantee 100% of shifts covered. If the member is unable to work, Pathways Clubhouse staff will fill-in at no cost to the employer.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
- To provide an entry level position with a predictable schedule and structured job duties paying at least the minimum wage.
- Training Pathways Clubhouse staff so we are able to train our members thus saving time and resources of the business.
- Communicate any issues, concerns or questions with pathways clubhouse staff.
What are the responsibilities of the Pathways Clubhouse staff (also known as a Placement Manager)?
- The placement manager supports you and your business by answering any questions or concerns you have.
- Select and train each member for the position provided
- Provide on the job support until the member is comfortable working independently
- Check-in regularly with the member and employer
- Fill-in if the member is unable to work
Who pays the member?
The employer pays the member directly. You can choose to hire the member as an employee of your business or hpay them as a contractor worker.
Is there a minimum number of hours of work per day/week?
We prefer the position to be a minimum of 2 hours per shift as many of our members travel by public transit. We have positions that are only 1 day per week
There are many stories of people with mental illness being violent. Can you guarantee your members will not become violent?
Statistics show that the rate of individuals with mental illness who become violent is the exact same as the general population which is 7%. People with mental illness are actually more likely to be the victim of violence than the perpetrator.
We screen potential members during the application process to ensure they will be appropriate for our Clubhouse.
At Pathways, our program is unique in that we get to know our members through engaging them in a work-like environment and we build relationships that allow us to learn their readiness for employment.
Can you tell me the member’s mental illness diagnosis?
We respect the privacy of our members; therefore we do not disclose their specific illness. We leave it up to the members to decide how much or little they want to share.
Why do Transitional Employment placemernts only last 6-9 months?
The Transitional Employment Program is meant to be temporary. It allows our members an opportunity to get back into the workforce and regain their confidence with the ultimate goal of obtaining regular, permanent employment.
What happens if the member is unable to work?
Like any employee, our members may feel physically or mentally unwell at times. This is one of the benefits of the Transitional Employment Program. We guarantee 100% attendance. If the member is unable to work then a Pathways Clubhouse staff will fill-in at no cost to you.
What if we want to hire the member permanently?
That’s great! You are welcome to hire them, but in a different capacity. We would like to keep the TE position available for other members.
The member just isn’t a good fit, do I have to wait until the 6-9 month placement is over?
No. Please speak to your Placement Managers if you feel the member isn’t working out. We would like to find a solution before removing the member. If a solution can’t be found, then we will find a replacement.
I want to support the member (and/or other employees), where can I learn more about mental illness?
We have a variety of brochures and websites that we can provide to help you learn about supporting people living with mental illness.
We also provide presentations to groups. If you are interested in having us present at your workplace, please contact our Public Education staff at 604-276-8834 and ask for Barb Fee or Pascale Jendral.
What if the TE program isn’t the right fit for our company?
We appreciate your support and understand if this is not the right time. First, we would like to meet and see if there are any other questions or concerns you might have about the Transitional Employment Program. If not, we hope to partner with you in the future.
Interested?
Inquire for more information.