UCSF Citywide Employment - Vocational Rehabilitation Program
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
For more information contact:
Mindy Oppenheim, M.Ed.
Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Department of Psychiatry, UCSF
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
1001 Potrero Avenue, 7F40
San Francisco, CA 94110
Direct: 628-206-5962
Office: 628-206-4465
FAX: 628-206-8942
[email protected]
For Referrals, Intakes and Program Tour, Contact:
Hugo Calderon
Program Coordinator, Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Department of Psychiatry, UCSF
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
1001 Potrero Avenue, 7F40
San Francisco, CA 94110
Office (628) 206-4465
Work Cell (628)222-9784
Fax (628) 206-8942
For Catering Information or Catering Orders Contact:
Gigilizabeth Lapuz
Culinary Program Coordinator
Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Psychiatry
1001 Potrero Ave. 7F40
San Francisco, CA 94110
628-206-4035 (phone)
628-206-8942 (fax)
[email protected]
Link to our Website: https://vocrehab.ucsf.edu/