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 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/ 

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.