Forming a unit of at least two employment specialists provides the organizational structure for sharing information and resources. A single employment specialist at an agency has no one to help him learn skills such as employer relationship building.
Some agencies report that it is not possible to hire more than one employment specialist because the mental health program is very small. But, as mental health practitioners begin to value employment, and clients spread the word about their jobs, it is not uncommon to find that 50-70% of adults served by the mental health program are interested in getting a job. Some programs may start with one specialist and add positions over time.
