Become an Employer - Clubhouse International

How You Can Help

You and your company can help end the vicious cycle of dependence and isolation that so often prolongs the devastating effects of mental illness on individuals and their families by joining the community of businesses around the world that are helping Clubhouse members become respected members of society through employment. For more information, please contact Jack Yatsko at jyatsko@clubhouse-intl.org. As a right of membership, Clubhouses provide members with Transitional Employment, Supported Employment and Independent Employment opportunities:

• Transitional Employment is a highly structured program for members returning to work in a local business and industry. Transitional Employment is specifically designed as a vocational rehabilitation program where a member can gain or re-gain the skills and confidence necessary to have a job while employed in a “real world” position. The only requirement for the member to participate in Transitional Employment is the expressed desire to work.
  • Placements are at the employer’s place of business and are part-time (15-20 hours per week)
  • Placements include a lot of on-the-job and off-site support from Clubhouse staff and other members.
  • Placements generally last from six to nine months. Members can then try another placement or move on to independent employment.
• Supported Employment is a program where there is an understanding between the employer, the member, and the Clubhouse that the staff will support both the member and the employer in their work relationship. Although the job belongs to the member, the employer is awarding the position based on the idea that the member can do the work and that he or she will have help from the Clubhouse. help from the Clubhouse to apply for and obtain a job of their own.
• Clubhouse staff provide support for the employer by helping on-site with the orientation and training for the member on the job
• They make visits to the job site to encourage and assist the member on a regular basis at first, and eventually on an as needed basis.
• They have regular contact (visit, email or telephone) with the employer to discuss the member’s performance and the employer’s level of satisfaction, which helps maintain this consistency of support. 
• Independent Employment is a program of the Clubhouse through which members, when ready, are given help from the Clubhouse to apply for and obtain a job of their own.
  • The Clubhouse provides ongoing support and encouragement for members who are independently employed.
  • There is no on-site support at the place of business for members who are independently employed; all of the support takes place at the Clubhouse or in the community.