Axis Health System sees and responds to the need for vocational services in Southwest Colorado communities.

Supported Employment & Educational Services (SEES) has a new name and a refreshed mission to help people pursue their education and find a job. SEES provides wraparound support that is recovery-based. It helps people realize their potential and promotes overall wellness.

“Gainful employment helps individuals have the opportunity to be a meaningful part of our community,” said Jodie Miller, Supported Employment & Educational Specialist with Axis.

SEES uses the Individual Placement Support (IPS) model. This model states that all people want to work, and they can do any job they want.

“The IPS model has proven that people who are employed or gain education are less likely to relapse, go back to jail or struggle with mental illness,” said Miller.

Miller said in one patient success story, the team helped a client who had been released from jail find employment at a local business.

“That’s the great thing about the SEES program,” said Miller. “It not only gives the clients a chance to become a part of the community, but it also allows businesses to give back to the community by hiring the people we serve.”

SEES offers support with:

• Resume-building
• Cover letter creation
• Practice interviews
• On-the-job coaching
• Job mediation and conflict resolution
• Appropriate relationship modeling
• Training to ensure job stability
• General Educational Development (GED) resource referrals
• College applications
• Meeting with college advisors
• Referrals to disability services for college
• Coordination with School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) services
• Coordination with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services

To qualify for SEES, patients must be enrolled in outpatient behavioral health services at any Axis Health System location. There is no additional fee for SEES services. The specialist can help clients access a wide, interconnected network of expertise within Axis Health System. The SEES specialist works with all Axis programs, including: Mental Health Outpatient Program (MHOP), Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS), Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and Jail-Based Behavioral Health Services (JBBHS) and Jail Transitions.

SEES is based at Columbine Behavioral Healthcare in Durango, but the specialist can work with people across Southwest Colorado. Televideo appointments are also available for SEES services, so clients can participate from the comfort of their own homes.

For more information about the program, call 970.259.2162.