The Vocational Development Functions of the Clubhouse

Abstract

This chapter describes how clubhouses assist persons recovering from mental illness to develop readiness in multiple life domains and to enter into employment. Every clubhouse model program adhering to the standards of the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) provides daily opportunities to develop work readiness by genuinely contributing their efforts to the "work-ordered day" (Beard, Propst, & Malamud, 1982). Activities each day include preparing lunch, answering phones, assisting other clients--called "members"--in performing basic tasks, making outreach calls and visits, and doing computer, house, and yard work. The clubhouse provides a variety of social activities outside of the work-ordered day, including the celebration of holidays, informal gatherings, and recognition of the growth and development of individual participants. Members and staff also perform many case management functions, assisting in the location and maintenance of housing and jobs, and advocating for necessary benefits (Macias, Jackson, Wang, & Schroeder, 1999). Each clubhouse provides Transitional Employment opportunities to promote confidence and work readiness. All these services are provided in a supportive atmosphere of member/staff partnership, where membership is lifelong and unconditional. Indeed, the key to the successful operation of a clubhouse lies in fostering social support among and between members and personnel of the club. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)