|
PERSONAL SERVICE PLANNING
At the Village, members don't have to fit the mold of a structured
system. Services are molded around each member's needs.
Description
Ÿ Members are assigned to one of three
Village teams, each made up of a 3/4 time psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, nurse and
4 psychosocial
specialists. Within the teams, members work with their Personal Service
Coordinator who helps them identify and pursue the goals of their Personal Service Plan.
Ÿ The Personal Service Plan is tailored
to meet all of the member's individual employment, recreation,
psychiatric, health, housing and financial choices and needs. It
emphasizes ways to increase members' abilities and reduce their
disabilities.
Ÿ The Personal Service Plan is not a
traditional plan drawn up by a mental health professional for a mentally ill client. It is designed collaboratively
by members, their personal service coordinators and families or other people important to
the members.
Ÿ Personal
service coordinators go wherever their help and support are needed. Coordinators rarely sit behind desks; they spend most of
their time with members: visiting their work place or school, helping them with finding
housing or grocery shopping, or simply meeting for coffee at a local
restaurant.
Ÿ The team also is a constant source of
support. Staff rotate the responsibility of being on-call around the clock to respond to crises or just to offer
reassurance.
Ÿ Village resource specialists work with
the teams in areas such a substance abuse, employment and money management.
Impact
Ÿ Members have a vested interest in
their Personal Service Plans and take responsibility for their goals.
Ÿ Members and their Personal Service
Coordinators have adult to adult rather than hierarchical "helper to helpee" relationships. Members learn
that they are an equal partner in their services.
Ÿ Members are encouraged to take risks
and expand their opportunities.
|
