UCSF Citywide Employment - Vocational Rehabilitation Program
referral form ZSFG Medical Clearance
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VRP) at San Francisco General Hospital is a program of the UCSF Department of Psychiatry Citywide Employment Program. VRP’s mission is to provide job readiness and job training for individuals with chronic mental illness often complicated by persistent homelessness, substance abuse, chronic medical problems and criminal justice involvement. Currently VRP provides job training and paid internship opportunities for approximately 140 individuals per year in a variety of hospital and community-based social enterprise businesses, including:
- Slice of Life Catering & Culinary Training Program
- Slice of Life Cafe at 1380 Howard (Department of Public Health)
- “Happy Buns” Hot Dog Cart at ZSFG
- “Buzzin Beans” Coffee & Snack Carts at ZSFG
- Sensory Modification Vests & Therapy Tools Sewing Project
- Receptionist Training Program
- Clothing and Book Donation Program
Our staff and PEER Counselors provide our clients with:
- Peer counseling and support
- Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for community-based employment
- On the job training in partnership with ZSFG Volunteer Services
- Job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
- Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
- Supportive services including counseling and medical referrals
- Development of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for work
Program participants learn valuable vocational skills and move on to community-based employment or other training programs. Most importantly, VRP workers gain experience and confidence they need to be able to manage their challenges at work. We work with each individual to help them choose, get and keep a job that matches their skills, abilities and interests. Upon graduation our participants have learned:
- Time management and problem-solving skills
- Communication, grooming, hygiene, conflict resolution
- Working as part of a team to accomplish goals
- Serving as a role model to others in recovery
- Customer service skills
Mindy Oppenheim, M.Ed.
Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Program
[email protected]
628-206-5962
Hugo Calderon
Program Coordinator, Vocational Rehabilitation Program
[email protected]
628-222-9784
Link to our Website: https://vocrehab.ucsf.edu/