How to Find Jobs for a Schizophrenic

Researchers tell us that anti-psychotic medications aren't enough to bring meaning back into a schizophrenic's life. Drugs can control symptoms, make it easier to focus and function, but schizophrenics still need to set goals and work to reach them to have a meaningful life. Not only does a job lessen financial burdens, it gives the schizophrenic a reason to get up in the morning. Here's how to help a schizophrenic find a job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Assess the severity of the schizophrenic's disease. It's more likely the individual will find and hold a job if she's had one before. This doesn't mean you should give up if she hasn't, but be prepared for a longer journey.
2. Explore what the schizophrenic wants to do and examine his skills. Set aside the issue of his illness when doing this. Like any job hunter, a schizophrenic will only get satisfaction from work he really wants to do.
3. Find out how getting a job will affect the individual's disability benefits. She'll have more stress if she's earning less than she gets from Social Security but too much to qualify for benefits. However, the self-esteem and friends she gains from doing work she loves may be worth it.
4. Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation office. Typically this is a department of your state's human services agency or the state body that takes care of employment retraining. Ask if job coaches are available for schizophrenics.
5. Check out the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program (see link in Resources). SSA also offers other resources for people with, disabilities to find work, such as work incentive seminars. Tap into these resources if the individual is receiving SSI benefits.
6. Look for a work-at-home job if the individual gets agitated around people, has problems coping with a fast-paced environment or has cognitive disturbances like language problems. Your local Craigslist website is an excellent resource for all kinds of jobs.
7. Consider starting a business where the schizophrenic can use her skills but set her own hours. Ask others you know who have their own businesses if they can give her a job.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient with grandiose schemes. Remember many schizophrenics suffer from this kind of thinking.
• Volunteering is a great way to build skills and gain references while maintaining some flexibility.
• Don't neglect continuing education as a way to expand the individual's work opportunities.