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Promoting positive mental health through advocacy, education, collaboration and service... |
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302 West Weaver Street, Carrboro, NC 27510
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Under Construction... |
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Vocteer |
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A collaboration between UNC Department of Rehabilitation Psychology, Caramore Community, Mental Health Association in Orange County, Mental Health Association in Chatham County Questions and Answers What is VocTeer? VocTeer coordinates volunteer placements and coaching for people who are receiving treatment for mental illness and who would like assistance with skill development through community volunteerism.
How does it work? The VocTeer Program coordinates one-on-one matches between Volunteers and Coaches. Each Volunteer and Coach is assigned to a community organization, where they volunteer together for 1 hour a week for at least 3 months. The Coach assists the Volunteer with learning new skills and carrying out the duties of the volunteer placement. VocTeer is a “win-win-win” situation: The Volunteer learns new skills, while strengthening community ties. The Volunteer Coach gains a valuable service-learning experience. The nonprofit organization enjoys reliable and regular volunteer service.
Who are the Coaches? Graduate and undergraduate university students serve as the Volunteer Coaches. All Coaches are screened and complete training before entering the program. They receive ongoing training and support.
Who are the Volunteers? The Volunteers are adults who are receiving mental health treatment and who, with the support of their primary mental health clinician, choose to participate in the program. All Volunteer complete a referral form before entering the program.
Where does the volunteering take place? Local nonprofit organizations serve as volunteer sites.
Where and when did the program start? The program was started in 2001, in Orange County, NC, by a Vocational Task Force comprised of representatives from the Mental Health Association in Orange County, UNC Department of Rehabilitation Psychiatry, and Caramore Communities. The program was expanded to include Chatham County in 2004.
Why is there a need for a VocTeer program? Not all individuals who suffer from severe mental illness are ready for paid employment. Some individuals may not have the work skills necessary to compete in the employment world, while others may not be ready to face the possible stress associated with competitive employment. Therefore, persons suffering from severe mental illness may look towards a VocTeer program for vocational guidance. How do individuals with severe mental illness find out about the program? The director of the Mental Health Association contacts case managers from local mental health agencies for volunteer referrals. Case managers from these agencies are also asked to inform the potential volunteer of our VocTeer program. If the individual appears interested in the volunteer program the case manager provides the potential volunteer with a phone number of where he/she can schedule a time to learn more about the volunteer program. The VocTeer program also accepts self referrals.
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