Employment

“Work is essential… it is the glue that binds us to society.” - Bob Harvey, Founding Director of Independence Center

Partnering with St. Louis Businesses

Work gives us purpose and connects us to those around us. It builds community and gives meaning to our lives. But for people living with a mental illness, it is difficult to find and keep a good job. Self-doubt and low self-esteem can be compounded by the terrible feelings that come with unemployment. Because of this, employment is one of the cornerstones of Independence Center's program.

Through a network of supporters and businesses in the St. Louis community, the Center continually seeks new opportunities to place members in Transitional Employment. We currently hold positions with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Stifel, Wells Fargo Advisors, TALX, Zip Mail, Marshalls, Storage Banc, Bowood Farms, Sleeve a Message and many more local St. Louis-area employers.

If your company is interested in discussing employment opportunities for Independence Center members, please call Amy Clinton, Supervisor and Employment Specialist, at (314)880-5407.

What is Transitional Employment (TE)?

Transitional employment positions are part-time, entry-level, temporary (6-9 months) jobs designed to re-introduce members to real work experiences and serve as a stepping stone to a real career opportunity.


The unique supports of Transitional Employment (TE) for both members and employers ensure that it is, as the Wall Street Journal wrote, "A good deed that is also a good deal."

TE Supports Include:

• A member goes through the employer's personnel process as an hourly employee, but, as a part-time worker, does not require a benefits package.
• Independence Center staff learns the job in advance and take responsibility for training members, adding to productivity, until all parties - member, staff, and supervisor - are agreed that the member is ready to work independently.
• The Center guarantees absence coverage, either with the help of members already working in the other part-time position, or when necessary, by one of the Center's program staff.
• If a member is not able to perform the job, he or she is expeditiously replaced by a new member.
• Placements usually last from six to nine months, at which point the working member moves to a new TE, independent employment, or school, and another member is trained for the job.