Indicator 3: The proportion of persons with serious mental illnesses who are employed.
National Target: 51 percent.
National Baseline: 42 percent of persons aged 18 years and older with serious mental illnesses were employed in 1994.
National Target setting method: 21 percent improvement.
Data source: National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), CDC, NCHS. ATCMHMR's Supported Employment Program
ATCMHMR's Supported Employment program began to track data on persons with serious mental illness during March 2000. L. Jackson (personal communication, August 21, 2000) reported that between March and May 2000, 36 percent of consumers served were employed.
L. Hamilos (personal communication, January 25, 2001) reported that in the state fiscal year 2000, the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) served 3,536 consumers with mental impairments in Travis County. This total reflects persons who had mental impairments as a either primary or secondary disability and were served by all TRC programs. Table 7-15 reflects the status of individuals served at the end of the state fiscal year. Information from Easter Seals and Goodwill was unavailable.
Persons with severe and persistent mental illness can live independently and work as productive citizens in the community. Vocational Rehabilitation is an essential part to promote independent living. Rehabilitation programs often evaluate, assess, train, provide supportive services, and assist in job placement. Rehabilitation programs also provide continuing support and help to ensure placement is working well. Research shows that working provides both economic and personal benefits beyond a paycheck and workplace companionship, such as, improved self-esteem, independence, and even assists in managing symptoms. Persons with severe and persistent mental illness want to work and research has reported that employment is often noted as a primary personal goal. The benefits of assisting persons with mental illness to obtain employment can reduce the use of mental health services and reduce the number of persons who receive federal and state disability payments, not to mention the personal satisfaction of the person learning to work, participating in a satisfying work experience, and independence created (USDHHS, 2000). It is recommended that this indicator be tracked on a regular basis.
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