Effects of structured vocational services on job-search success in ex-offender veterans with mental illness: 3-month follow-up

Abstract

Abstract-With the high number of incarcerated veterans with mental illness and substance dependence returning to the community annually, a significant need exists for technologies that will help them return to employment. This study evaluates three methods of assistance: (1) basic vocational services, (2) selfstudy of a vocational manual designed for formerly incarcerated veterans, and (3) a group led by vocational staff using the vocational manual. We evaluated 69 veterans to determine the number finding employment within 3 months after enrollment in the study. The group format was expected to be superior to self-study, and self-study was expected to be superior to basic services. Though the group format was found to be superior to both self-study and basic services, the results for self-study and basic services were statistically similar. Limitations and directions for future refinement are discussed.

Effects of structured vocational services in ex-offender veterans with mental illness: 6-month follow-up

“…This study extends the narrower findings presented previously [3] by incorporating broader definitions of vocational success and a longer follow-up period.…”

“…The About Face Vocational Manual [3], * referred to from this point on as "the Manual," was developed through a Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) Education Grant. The Manual has a Flesch-Kincaid reading level of 6.8th grade.…”

“…For detailed methods, please see LePage et al [3]. All participants had access to the Veterans Employment Resource Center, a dedicated area at the Dallas VA Medical Center that is staffed by vocational rehabilitation counselors and has internet access.…”

“…An estimated 64,000 veterans are released back to the community each year [3]. Of these, a sizable portion will be reincarceratated.…”

“…The About Face vocational program has been shown to be beneficial in helping veterans with felonies find employment [3]. In an evaluation of time to rapid employment, defined as obtaining employment within 3 mo, veterans were enrolled in one of three conditions: (1) basic (i.e., employment search without groups or the About Face manual), (2) self-study (i.e., search using the About Face manual in a self-study modality), and (3) full program (i.e., search following vocational staff-led classes using the About Face manual).…”