| This paper identifies organizational change methods that are needed to implement supported employment programs in New York State psychiatric facilities. In 2000, the administration of psychiatric facilities in New York State requested that facilities adopt the evidence-based practice of supported employment based upon the model developed by Robert H. Drake, M.D., Ph.D. The intent of this model is assist the mentally disabled to obtain competitive employment. This would require facility vocational programs to make significant changes in how their services were provided. Facility vocational program leaders reported numerous difficulties with this transition. The impediments to making the necessary changes are identified and solutions to overcome these impediments are provided in this paper. This was accomplished by researching literature by leaders in the organizational development field and developing strategies which must be utilized in order to overcome the identified barriers which prevent the implementation of this innovative vocational program. |
