Posted on March 28, 2023

Employment is a critical aspect of recovery for individuals with substance use disorders. However, stigma surrounding substance use disorders can make it challenging for individuals in recovery to secure employment opportunities. At Human Services Foundation, we understand the importance of employment in achieving long-term recovery and offer vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals develop job readiness skills and connect them to employment opportunities. In this blog post, we'll discuss how we're breaking down barriers to employment and overcoming stigma in vocational rehabilitation.

What Is Stigma?

Stigma is a set of negative beliefs or attitudes that society holds about a particular group or condition. In the case of individuals with substance use disorders, stigma often manifests as the belief that individuals with addiction are weak-willed or morally flawed. This stigma can have severe consequences, including discrimination, social exclusion, and difficulty accessing employment opportunities.

Breaking Down Stigma in Vocational Rehabilitation

At Human Services Foundation, we believe that breaking down stigma is essential to helping individuals with substance use disorders achieve long-term recovery. We offer vocational rehabilitation services that focus on job readiness skills, resume building, and interview preparation, giving our clients the tools they need to secure employment opportunities. Our team of professionals understands the unique challenges faced by individuals in recovery and works closely with our clients to break down barriers to employment.

Developing Job Readiness Skills

Our vocational rehabilitation services focus on developing job readiness skills that are essential to securing employment opportunities. These skills include resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. We work closely with our clients to identify their skills and strengths and develop personalized plans to help them achieve their employment goals.

Connecting Clients to Employment Opportunities

We understand that finding employment opportunities can be challenging, especially for individuals with substance use disorders. That's why we offer job placement assistance to our clients, connecting them with local employers who are willing to give them a chance. Our team of professionals works closely with our clients to identify their skills and interests and connect them with employment opportunities that match their needs.

Addressing Stigma in the Workplace

Even after securing employment opportunities, individuals with substance use disorders may still face stigma in the workplace. At Human Services Foundation, we work with our clients to address any potential stigma they may face and develop strategies to overcome it. Our goal is to create a supportive work environment that values and respects our clients' unique experiences and challenges.

Education and Awareness

Breaking down stigma requires education and awareness. At Human Services Foundation, we are committed to educating our community about substance use disorders and breaking down the stigma surrounding them. We believe that through education and awareness, we can create a more supportive and inclusive community for individuals in recovery.

Conclusion

Breaking down stigma in vocational rehabilitation is critical to helping individuals with substance use disorders achieve long-term recovery. At Human Services Foundation, we offer vocational rehabilitation services that focus on developing job readiness skills, connecting clients to employment opportunities, and addressing stigma in the workplace. We are committed to breaking down the barriers to employment faced by individuals in recovery and creating a more supportive and inclusive community. If you or a loved one is in need of vocational rehabilitation services, please reach out to us at (225) 993-4432 or email us at [email protected]. Our team of professionals is committed to helping individuals in recovery achieve long-term sobriety and successful employment opportunities.