"Let's Work" Vocational Program

Welcome to the "Let's Work" website!  This website is here to explain who we are and what we can do for you to help you find work.  Let's start by answering a few questions you may have about the Let's Work program. 

• What is "Let's Work"?
• Who can participate?
• How do I get referred to the program?
• What are the program's objectives?
• What will "Let's Work" do to help me?
• What is "Routes to Work"?
• Who runs the "Let's Work" program?
• Do you still have more questions?

What is "Let's Work"?

Let's Work is a program that helps people with a diagnosed psychiatric disability to find employment, both part-time and full-time, in the community.  Let's Work will also offer support on the job if required. 

Who can participate?

Let's Work can work for you if you live in Fredericton and the surrounding areas.  You must also show that you have:

a) persistent and recurrent psychiatric problems

b) been unable to find a job using other services and resources 

c) an idea of where you'd like to work or what you'd like to do.

How do I get referred to the program?

You can be referred for assessment to participate in the program by:

a) Fredericton Mental Health Centre - by their case managers, psychiatrists, psychologists
b) Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour - by a case manager
c) Service Canada - by a case manager;
d) Psychiatrists

What are the program's objectives?

1. To explore your interests, abilities, skill strengths and your problem areas in order to help you develop your vocational goal.
2. To help you use existing employment and educational resources within the Fredericton area.
3. To help you get the job related skills you need to prepare for the today's competitive job market.
4. To try and find an appropriate match between your needs and abilities with community based employment opportunities.
5. To provide both you and the area's employers with a dependable system for the delivery of ongoing on-the-job support and follow up.

What will "Let's Work" do to help me?

Before you find a job, we will:

a) Assess your abilities and aptitudes by looking at your education and work history.
b) Try to better understand your vocational goal and the steps you'll need to reach your goal.
c) Teach you skills in areas such as interview skills and social skills.
d) Help you prepare a resume and job applications.
e) Refer you to a relevant program and help you find the funding for it if you need more training in certain areas.

We will help you to find work by: 

a) Identifying job market opportunities and helping you in your search for employment.
b) Talking to various government departments and access funding and job creation programs on your behalf.
c) Educating potential employers about mental illness and presenting the positive aspects of potential employees
d) Maintaining a database of past, present and prospective employers and employment situations to help you find a place where you belong.

When you find work, we'll still be there to help by:

a) Helping you make adjustments to re-entering the work force, like helping you with your daily schedule and in your relationships with co-workers.
b) Coaching you while you're on the job, in a way that fits for both you and your employer.
c) Monitoring your progress and giving you and your employer follow up support.

What is "Routes to Work"?

Routes to Work is a project of the CMHA National Office, funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada, involving 8 sites across Canada.  The overall goal is to implement individualized strategies to employment and to share successful strategies with the other sites across Canada.

In addition, each site will increase employer awareness by creating new business partnerships; partnerships with mental health related organizations and other disability and social service groups.  Each site implements public education strategies to enhance community and employer understanding of mental illness and the ability of people with psychiatric disabilities to effectively participate in the workforce.

Clients are placed in the Routes to Work program based on a diversity found in the local population.  Clients differ in their experience, education, skills and mental illness.  Therefore, the type of support given also varies.  It could be one-on-one support on the job, wage subsidies, or in obtaining further education.

Who runs the "Let's Work" program?

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Fredericton/Oromocto Region Inc. provides the administrative supervision of the program, and its Board of Directors hear every month about how the program is working.  A special advisory committee looks at the standards of practice and training you'll need if you're hired for Let's Work  As for our staff, we are:

David Borland: Vocational Program Manager
James Schiesz: Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor
Cheryl McLaughlin: Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor
Elynie Noseworthy: Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor

Do you still have more questions?

Then don't be shy.  You can e-mail us anytime at letswork@nbnet.nb.ca.