This course is designed for professionals supporting individuals in recovery. It explores the benefits of employment in rebuilding a life, establishing purpose, and improving health outcomes. While employment may not always be the primary focus of recovery, it can provide essential structure and support. The course will address the barriers individuals in recovery may face when seeking or maintaining employment, as well as present solutions to overcome these challenges and the positive impact work can have on treatment and long-term recovery.

Introduction and Overview

• Recovery is more than overcoming addiction
• Employment's role in the recovery journey
• Learning objectives for the training

Benefits of Employment in Recovery

• Research-backed impacts of employment on recovery
• Lower rates of recurrence and higher abstinence rates
• Reduced justice involvement and parole violations
• Improvements in quality of life and mental health
• Establishing a new normal and exercising self-control
• Building self-esteem and sense of purpose
• Development of life skills (time management, money management)
• Building independence and countering hopelessness

Challenges in Employment for People in Recovery

• Rebuilding job and interpersonal skills
• Addressing employment gaps
• Transportation and childcare needs
• Documentation and identification issues
• Strategies for addressing relapse
• Managing justice involvement
• Employer understanding of opioid use disorder
• Scheduling conflicts with treatment requirements
• Understanding benefits and employment balance

Change Process and Employment

• Stages of change model applied to employment
• Impact of expectations on behavior and self-perception
• Cognitive reframing of employment beliefs
• Motivational interviewing techniques

Tools and Techniques

• Detailed breakdown of stages of change (pre-contemplation through maintenance)
• Decisional balance exercises
• Importance and confidence rulers
• Community resources and partnerships

Implementation Strategies

• Employer connections and recovery-friendly workplaces
• Resume building and practice interviews
• Transportation and clothing assistance
• Training and education support

1. How can employment contribute to rebuilding a life and establishing purpose during recovery?
2. What role does having a job play in improving health and treatment outcomes for individuals in recovery?
3. What challenges might individuals in recovery face when seeking or maintaining employment, and how can these be overcome?
4. How can understanding the stages of change help professionals support individuals in their employment journey?
5. What community resources and tools are available to assist individuals in recovery with employment-related goals?
6. How does long-term employment contribute to independence and skill development in the recovery process?

• Understand the benefits of employment for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

• Identify potential challenges that people in recovery might face when seeking or maintaining employment.

• Recognize the stages of change model and how it applies to employment-related decisions for individuals in recovery.

• Learn strategies and tools to support individuals through different stages of change related to employment.

• Identify community resources and tools available to assist individuals in recovery with employment-related goals.

• Recognize the role of employment in long-term recovery and how it contributes to independence, purpose, and skill development.