Implementing an adapted version of the job seekers' workshop in a residential program for patients with substance use disorders.

Abstract

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of adapting the Job Seekers' Workshop (JSW) to a residential setting within a Massachusetts-based substance use disorder treatment agency. Implementation of the adapted JSW consisted of a continual sequence of three weekly sessions that focused on job interview rehearsals, practice completing job applications, and identification of job leads. Data were compiled on the employment rates of the 188 patients discharged from the residential treatment program during July - December 2006 (baseline participants, n = 95) and January - June 2007 (JSW intervention participants, n = 93). The effectiveness of the adapted JSW was evaluated through a comparison of baseline and intervention participants' employment rates at discharge from residential treatment. Analyses indicated a trend towards a significant increase in employment at discharge for the intervention period (40.9%) compared to baseline (29.5%), χ(2)(1, N = 188) = 2.675, p = .051. Further evaluation of the JSW in residential settings is necessary, but this preliminary research suggests that the intervention could begin to address the need for vocational services in residential treatment for substance use disorders.