Employment is Central to the Model
As a core part of the Clubhouse Model, employment is a powerful pathway to recovery. Clubhouses help members explore career interests, develop skills, earn income, and pursue gainful employment with the level of support that best aligns with their goals.
The Challenge
People living with mental illness continue to face significant barriers to obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, limiting opportunities for recovery, economic inclusion, and full participation in their communities.
Clubhouse Response
Clubhouses offer three distinct employment opportunities – Transitional Employment, Supported Employment, and Independent Employment – to help members pursue employment goals.
Employment Changes Lives
Employment provides more than income – it creates opportunities for purpose and a valued role in society.
Approximately 40% of active Clubhouse members are employed through Transitional, Supported, or Independent Employment.
Research has consistently found that Clubhouse members return to employment at higher rates than participants in many other public community mental health systems.
A Range of Employment Opportunities
The Clubhouse employment model is designed to meet members where they are, offering different levels of support based on individual goals.
Transitional Employment (TE)
Transitional Employment provides highly supported, time-limited employment opportunities where the Clubhouse holds the relationship with the employer, places and trains members, and provides ongoing support to the member and the employer. TE is designed to provide vocational rehabilitation opportunities for many members over time, helping members explore their interests, build confidence, and pursue longer-term employment goals.
Supported Employment (SE)
Clubhouses support members in pursuing ongoing employment opportunities while partnering with the member and employer to support employment success. The Clubhouse may provide ongoing assistance and maintain a relationship with the employer based on the member’s goals and needs.
Independent Employment (IE)
Members may choose to pursue employment without a direct relationship between the Clubhouse and employer, while continuing to access the full range of Clubhouse employment support based on their goals and preferences.
Employment Partnerships
Strong employment partnerships do more than create jobs, they strengthen businesses and communities. They're essential to the success of Clubhouse employment programs. Through relationships with local businesses and organizations, Clubhouses create meaningful employment opportunities that help members build skills, earn income, and pursue their career goals.
Partnering with a Clubhouse is more than a community investment—it is a workforce strategy. Employers gain access to dedicated workers, individualized support from the Clubhouse, and a partnership focused on creating successful employment outcomes for everyone involved.
Whether through Transitional Employment, Supported Employment, or other workforce partnerships, employers help create pathways to employment while meeting workforce needs within their organizations.
Partner with Clubhouse International
Together with employers and community partners, Clubhouse International advances inclusive workplaces, addresses workforce needs, and creates pathways that expand employment opportunities around the world.
A partnership can help your organization:
- Connect with your local Clubhouse
- Strengthen inclusive hiring efforts
- Develop regional or national workforce initiatives
- Support employer and employee success
Interested in learning more?
Contact:
Amber Weber
Employment Program Officer
aweber@clubhouse-intl.org
Partner with Your Local Clubhouse
Clubhouses work closely with employers and community partners to help members achieve employment goals while responding to the needs of local workplaces and communities.
Local Clubhouses can help employers:
- Connect with motivated candidates
- Reduce recruitment and hiring challenges
- Receive support from a trusted community partner
- Build a more inclusive workforce
Looking to explore a local partnership?
Connect with a Clubhouse in your community.
See the Model in Action
Clubhouses are a powerful demonstration that people with mental illness can and do lead productive, fulfilling lives.