At Work/Au travail project

Mental illness shouldn’t be a barrier to employment. Being able to find and maintain safe, meaningful employment is a key component to maintaining good mental health and to recovery. Individuals who live with mental illness can and often need to work. Employment provides purpose and allows us to contribute to our families and society. Sustained employment is an important factor for recovery.

Working alongside both employers and clients, the At Work program helps individuals living with a mental illness who are unemployed or under-employed find and maintain competitive employment. They do through the development of an achievable action plan, coupled with the practice of building coping skills and tools to support mental wellness.  

No diagnosis is required to access this program. At Work is a national program delivered by the Canadian Mental Health Association in communities across Canada, including Nova Scotia.

The AT Work program is available to any Nova Scotian over the age of sixteen who is:

• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Resides in Nova Scotia
• Unemployed or underemployed
• Lives with a mental illness, mental health challenge or substance use disorder (no diagnosis required)

For Clients:

• Available to anyone in need of work with mental health or addictions issue (no diagnosis required)
• Funding support for career training opportunities
• Mental health supports: one-on-one peer support; resilience, self-control, self-esteem, self-autonomy coaching
• Resume development and interview guidance
• Rapid job placement offers the opportunity to experience different work settings/industries

For Employers:

• Referrals may come from family/child services, employment agencies, social service agencies, Nova Scotia Health Authority, justice services
• Availability of motivated, trained, skilled candidates
• Ongoing case management fosters employer-employee relationship, ensures success
• Rapid, internship-style job placement allows for no long-term obligation by the employer

Our approach: Supports through At Work|Au travail are based on the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, a recognized industry best practice for employment support of individuals experiencing mental illness. IPS includes eight core principles:

• Competitive employment – Identifying career-oriented jobs that pay liveable wages
• Systematic job development – Engaging employers, based on the client’s preferences, to understand their business needs and hiring preferences
• Rapid job search – An approach to help job seekers obtain jobs rather than assessments, training and counselling, with the first face-to-face contact with an employer within 30 days
• Integrated services – Supporting clients with mental health coaching and connections to additional services
• Benefits planning – Helping clients obtain personalized, understandable, and accurate information about workplace benefits and government entitlements
• Zero exclusion – People are not excluded based on readiness, diagnoses, symptoms, substance use history, psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, level of disability or legal system involvement
• Time-unlimited supports – Individualized, face-to-face support continues at least monthly for as long as the client wants and needs
• Worker preferences – Services are based on each client’s preferences and choices rather than employment specialist or supervisor judgments

What people are saying about At Work

“I relocated to Nova Scotia from Ontario two years ago and have fallen through the cracks.
Had I not received understanding and assistance from the At Work Program, I would be homeless, bankrupt, or both. During my first intake meeting, Tracy validated me as a human being and shared her own personal journey.For the FIRST time in years, someone got it. I cried as I shared my stories. Tracy gave me the greatest news: I qualified for their services! I was then referred to Holly. More tears, more validation. I FINALLY mattered, and felt that I was UNDERSTOOD. The At Work Program has LITERALLY saved my life!”
– At Work Client

“This program has been a lifeline. Tracy and Holly provided valuable support and feedback. They also connected me with crucial financial assistance. Weekly check-ins kept me accountable and motivated.”
– At Work Client

“After facing several obstacles re-integrating into the workforce after receiving treatment, I was finally able to focus on healing and hope. My enrolment into the [At Work] program was a steppingstone to stability. It helped me find my confidence and a career that allows me to thrive.”  – At Work Client

“The process of finding employment is a very isolating, anxiety inducing, and uncertain process. The At Work program provides a unique and necessary service to individuals living with mental illness in overcoming barriers to employment.” – At Work Client

To learn more, contact:

Tracy Hiltz, Provincial Lead At Work program, CMHA NS Division at [email protected] or by phone, at 902-517-2430

The At Work program is generously funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.