May 28th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

 https://www307.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001651028/Registration.aspx?pageName=f2m9vrf4cpcv6kq7 

VOCAL'S Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #5 - Posted 5.5

"Taking a Look at What Makes Up Environmental Wellness"

SAMHSA defines environmental wellness as: "Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being". Does where you live and/or work fit this definition? Do you find that your overall well-being is supported there?

VOCAL's Advocacy Committee to Meet Weekly - Posted 1.16  

VOCAL Launches "Whole Health Network" (VWHN) - Posted 1.2

In the first Monday each month, VOCAL will offer information about whole health topics. Each month the focus will change as we rotate through topics such as smoking cessation, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, etc. encouraging your capacity to take control over your own total health and wellness.  

Please also visit our FB page for our "Wellness Wednesday" tips! https://www.facebook.com/VOCAL.Inc

VWHN Topic #1

Smoking Cessation Help:  

"I really want to try to stop smoking but how do I do it?"

Here are some tips: 

http://smokefree.gov/ 

Webinar: Reducing Criminal Recidivism for Justice-Involved Persons with Mental Illness: Risk/Needs/Responsivity and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions - Posted 5.1  

May 12, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

To complement the "Reducing Criminal Recidivism for Justice-Involved Persons with Mental Illness: Risk/Needs/Responsivity and Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions" brief (available here) written by Dr. Merrill Rotter and released on the GAINS Center website in early December, Dr. Rotter of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and NYC TASC and Eric Olson of the Bonneville County, ID Mental Health Court will hold a webinar on the brief and share their knowledge on what the research says and how to apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in real world settings.

This webinar will be followed by three "Ask the Expert" discussion groups in subsequent weeks, allowing participants the chance to converse with Dr. Rotter and Mr. Olson and pose questions to them.

Participants will need to call the number AND log-in to the link to join the webinar:
Call-in #: 888-677-3788
Participant passcode: CBT

Log-in For Participants:
URL: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/

"I'm Good" Campaign Celebrates Those Who Have Overcome and Those Who Are Trying! - Posted 5.1

In celebration of Mental Health Month, PeersNet has launched the "I'm Good" blog campaign, which "encourages people to take care of their emotional and mental health, as well as their wellness. It's also a celebration of those who are working to, or have, overcome obstacles to wellness through support from family, friends, peers, loved ones and the community." Combatting the stigma that can be associated with a mental health condition, the campaign says, "There is nothing to be ashamed of. Know why? Well, because no matter where you're at, you're good..." For more information, click here.

SAMHSA Launches Free Webinar Series on Crisis Response Services - Posted 5.1

SAMHSA has announced a series of six webinars on how to expand community-based crisis response services and systems. The 90-minute webinars, all of which start at 2 p.m., will begin on Wednesday, May 7, with "The Need for Crisis Response Services." The series will continue on Tuesday, May 20, with "The Continuum of Community Based Mental Health Crisis Response Approaches." The remaining four webinars will take place on June 3, June 18, July 1, and July 15. "These webinars will describe new and emerging crisis response practices ... In addition, the webinar series will explore the types of outcomes sought for different approaches, how these approaches are financed, and provide State and local examples," SAMHSA writes.

To register for one webinar or the entire series, or for additional information, please click here.

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers - Posted 5.5

The Veterans Employment Center, an inter-agency collaboration from the White House's Joining Forces initiative, has announced a new online tool to provide veterans with employment resources. ebenefits.va.govwill connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.

For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org.

FT Peer Specialist Job Opening at Virginia Supportive Housing - Posted 5.8

Virginia Supportive Housing's A Place to Start (APTS) program assists formerly homeless individuals, including those with mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use and medical conditions to maintain housing and achieve their personal goals. Peer Specialists work directly with clients as part of the APTS multidisciplinary team.   Responsibilities include: supporting individuals as they grow in their recovery process through the use of the Peer Specialist's own recovery experience; assisting individuals with identifying and achieving their current goals; and assisting with identifying and accessing community support resources.  Services are provided in scattered-site apartments in the Richmond community.

Qualifications:

• Ability to provide peer counseling from the perspective of a person who has received mental services for a mental health condition is required.
• Must meet the minimum qualifications as a Qualified Paraprofessional in Mental Health i.e., Associate's Degree and at least one year direct service experience or certification as a peer support specialist.  Bachelor's degree in human services and at least one year direct service experience with adults is preferred.
• Must not have convictions for barrier crimes as defined by DBHDS. 
• Must have a valid Virginia driver's license and the ability to meet VSH's driving requirements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document service contacts in the clinical record according to agency and funder standards.
• Direct service experience with individuals who have experienced homelessness and personal experience with homelessness is strongly preferred.

Compensation:  Commensurate with education and experience.  Full time benefits included.

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to jobs@virginiasupportivehousing.org.  Please specify the position to which you are applying in the subject line and indicate any experience providing peer support services in your cover letter.