A Program of : MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY

Consumer Support Network

Consumer Connections is designed as a comprehensive program to recruit, train and support consumers of mental health services in the role of becoming providers of mental health services. These include volunteer, full and part time para-professional and professional positions within the mental health and human service system.

The goals of Consumer Connections are to:

• Provide networking information and referral for consumers seeking employment and employers seeking consumers.
• Develop, within the mental health and social service system, a variety of opportunities for consumers to actively participate as service providers.
• Establish training programs to provide consumers with basic training in mental health issues and topics, personal development, communication skills and job skills.
• Establish a system of individual and group support, ongoing training and evaluation as consumers are integrated into work settings.
• Provide technical assistance and training to service providers to integrate consumers into the work environment and to maximize their potential as part of the agency service delivery team.
• Interface with existing supported employment, training and educational programs to coordinate efforts to expand opportunities for consumers.

There are three components of Consumer Connections - the Employment Opportunity Bank; Consumer Provider Training and Consumer Support Network (C.S.N.).

• Job Opportunity Bank: An information and referral system for volunteer and employment opportunities offers consumers the opportunity to match their skills, experience and individual needs with available opportunities. Training and technical assistance is provided to mental health agencies to develop their ability to create a work environment to support consumers as part of their service deliver system.
• Consumer Provider Training: an intensive fifty-hour training program designed for consumer of mental health services who are currently employed or seeking employment within the mental health system. The training provides a broad overview of a variety of issues, mental health information (medication, basic counseling skills) and communication. Ongoing training opportunities are offered throughout the year on a regional basis.
• Consumer Support Network (C.S.N.): a system of individual and group support to provide consumers, employed within the mental health system, the personal support and on going training necessary to maximize their ability to succeed in the workplace. This support is provided outside of the workplace, providing a clear separation from supervision on the job. Services include pre and post employment workshops, peer supervision groups and individual support through face to face and telephone contact.

Consumer Connections services are available at no-charge to consumers of mental health services in New Jersey. The program works in partnership with agencies and organizations to develop targeted training and support systems to enhance employment opportunities for consumers of mental health services. Technical consultation and training is provided to agencies on issues ranging involving consumers in the workplace, conflict of interest and reasonable accommodation.

Consumer Connections is funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Service’s Division of Mental Health Services and the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.

For further information about Consumer Connections call 800-367-8850, fax 973-857-1777 or write Consumer Connections, 88 Pompton Avenue, Verona,  NJ 07044.