ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This case study presents the career path of a young Canadian man, George, as he recovered from significant mental illness and became a support worker in the mental health field. APPROACH: The authors use a case study approach to highlight a unique and individualized partnership which developed between George and a supported employment program. FINDINGS: The staff in the program assisted George to find work and to embark on an exciting career path. The authors describe George's journey from unemployed client to volunteer and student to full-time worker. Several specific strategies and approaches were used including time unlimited support, attention to client preferences and personal growth, advocacy, and seeing the career journey as a multi-step process. CONCLUSION: Implications for other programs are discussed. The use of individual stories can deepen understandings of the benefits of supported employment programs. This case study reflects how a supported employment program successfully assisted one person's career path.
