How the mental health services system can act as a barrier to people with a psychiatric disability accessing employment
Vanessa Rose and Elizabeth Harris
Centre for Health Equity Training Research and Evaluation, and Division of Population Health, South West Sydney Area Health Service
Contact Email:   vanessa.roseswsahs.nsw.gov.au

Up to eight in ten people with a psychiatric disability are unemployed at any one time even though a significant proportion of this group want to work. Employment brings with it improvements in psychological health, a reduction in symptoms and the risk of relapse and hospitalisation, financial independence and access to important social roles. The aim of this study was to explore opportunities for vocational rehabilitation for people with a psychiatric disability within a mental health service in Sydney. A multi-methodology was employed including: critical literature review; analysis of service data; and interviews with case managers and clients. Major findings included: only a small proportion of clients accessed any rehabilitation; mental health services lacked a structure for vocational rehabilitation and assisting clients into employment; and existing vocational programs within the mental health service lacked a sound evidence-base. Proposed rehabilitation policy in NSW for people with a psychiatric disability is focussed upon promoting wellness rather than managing illness; and employment has been seen as a means of achieving this goal. This will present a challenge for mental health services in reorienting systems and in working with disability support organisations to assist people with a psychiatric disability into the workforce.

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