Participating in the "work-ordered" day prepares many members with the skills necessary to return to work. Through our various employment programs, members can return to work at the pace with which each feels most comfortable.

Supported Employment Program (SEP)
Members interested in returning to paid employment may access the Supported Employment Program (SEP). A referral is made to SEP by a case manager or therapist, beginning the process of seeking vocational services. A representative from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation becomes involved and is helpful in some or any of the vocational alternatives that may be realistic. An excellent step toward returning to paid employment, SEP offers support with job-seeking skills, resume writing, interviewing and job coaching.

Transitional Employment Program (TEP)
The Transitional Employment Program (TEP) gives members the opportunity to work in real jobs in business and industry. For employers and employees, TEP is an innovative program with a proven track record.

TEP jobs may be full- or part-time; however, two members working part-time fill full-time TEP jobs. When a new TEP position is awarded, a S.T.A.R. Reach Clubhouse staff member first learns the job. In turn, the staff member trains the participating members, then stays with the member for as long as it takes him or her to become comfortable on the job. The pay rate is set by the employer based on the prevailing wage for that position. Throughout the job period, the staff member visits the job site regularly and accepts responsibility for the job, filling in any time the member is unavailable. At the end of a member's placement, the staff member trains a new member for the position with no disruption of the work routine.

Each member's transitional employment placement lasts approximately six months. With each placement, members gain experience, confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which in turn, strengthens their capacity for living a more productive life.

The key to the program's success, however, is that TEP is as beneficial to the employer as it is to the participating members. S.T.A.R. Reach Clubhouse guarantees that the job will be performed to the employer's satisfaction, with no absenteeism, no additional training requirements and no lowering of job standards.

Independent Employment
Some of our members have used the TEP as a stepping-stone to independent employment. For those members that feel they are ready to obtain a job of their own, the supports of the Clubhouse are still there for them. Through S.T.A.R. Reach Clubhouses's Independent Employment Program (IEP), members can access support in preparing resumes, improving their interview techniques and any questions they may have relating to obtaining their own job. Members who are working independent jobs become encouraging leaders to other members, offering them encouragement to try TEP and then go into independent employment.