Team Werks is a type of work integration social enterprise (or WISE)
A Social Enterprise that provides opportunities for job training, skills building, employment, and peer support for those with mental health and/or addiction challenges
Team Werks is owned and operated by persons in recovery, and supported by St. Joseph's Care Group's Employment Options Program
A Worker Cooperative operating under Cooperative Principles
While Team Werks is a business that provides various goods and services, staff from Employment Options provide help in the running of the business and supporting the individuals who work in the various business areas
Each trainee or member of Team Werks is also a client of Employment Options, and will have the added benefit of accessing vocational rehabilitation services
Occupational Instructors provide support in the way of running business operations safely, and providing supervision and job coaching in each work area
While Team Werks is a business that provides various goods and services, staff from Employment Options provide help in the running of the business and supporting the individuals who work in the various business areas
Each trainee or member of Team Werks is also a client of Employment Options, and will have the added benefit of accessing vocational rehabilitation services
Occupational Instructors provide support in the way of running business operations safely, and providing supervision and job coaching in each work area
This is one of many programs offered at St. Joseph’s Care Group, under the umbrella of Community Mental Health and Addictions
To ensure there is a bridge between the person’s health team, employment agencies, and other supports
To provide clients with the opportunity to access training, employment and peer support they otherwise would not have.
To recognize the value of vocational services and work as a key component of ones recovery.
Please fill out a referral form for Employment Options
Your client may also wish to call Employment Options directly and initiate a referral themselves
The individual will first work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor to help determine a realistic plan that will meet his/her/their needs
Yes, the training opportunities are meant to build confidence and basic job skills so that the individual feels better equipped to pursue community employment (or other vocational goal)
The length of time can vary greatly from person to person based on their goals, challenges, and confidence to re-enter the workforce
The approach will be individualized, recognizing that everyone’s recovery journey is unique
In most cases the hours are part-time
Each person’s work schedule will be different based on the person’s skills, interests and preferences, as well the needs of each work unit
Yes, vocational supports are ongoing
Yes, staff are knowledgeable of mental health and substance use challenges, and how they can sometimes interfere with work or school
Occupational Instructors will provide safe training at a pace that is comfortable for each individual
Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellors can help the individual identify a work area and schedule that is a good match with their skills and preferences, as well as advocate for reasonable accommodations
