You’ve finished addiction treatment, and you are ready to get back to your adult responsibilities and busy life. However, you are nervous about finding a job. In fact, you are probably full of questions, such as:
- Will I be able to find a job?
- Will they ask me about my addiction or treatment?
- What will I say about my lapse in employment?
- Will I successfully handle the stress work brings?
- Will I effectively juggle employment and support groups?
These are just a sample of the many legitimate questions you likely have. It may take some time, patience, and dedication, but it is possible to find employment and remain successful in recovery.
At Westwind Recovery®, our life skills training program gives people the tools they need to find a job that’s right for them. Learn more about employment after addiction treatment from our team today by calling 855.340.8832 or contacting us online. Also, our team has compiled a list of ways that you can find employment after addiction treatment.
Know Your Rights
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has prepared a brochure, so you know your rights. There are federal laws that protect you from being discriminated against by a potential employer due to your substance abuse treatment.
These laws fall under the:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
Make sure you do your research and know how these laws protect you.
Prepare Your Resume
Your whole life has not and does not revolve around treatment. Before you went for treatment, you likely had a work history. You have also acquired many skills throughout your life and even some while getting treatment. These are all important and need to be added to your resume. Let your potential employer know that you are qualified and capable of handling the job at hand.
Are you not sure how to write a resume? Treatment facilities may aid in resume writing. Another option is to check out templates online. A simple Google search can give you a plethora of information about resumes.
These are the key points every resume should have, such as:
- A summary about yourself. Make sure you touch on your qualifications and your strengths.
- A brief history of your prior employment or, if that is extensive, then a list of your professional skills.
- Relevant experience is essential. Show potential employers that you have “been there, done that” before.
- If you have any specific skills, training, education, or certifications, you will want to be sure to add that.
Prepare your resume for the line of work you are looking for.
Use Networking to Your Advantage
When you think of searching for employment, you likely turn to the local newspaper or job-searching websites. These are great access points, but they do get a lot of traffic. Many people are more successful in finding employment by using their networking skills.
Reach out to old employment connections or even friends and family. While they may not be hiring, they may know someone who is. Explain what you are looking for and what your qualifications are. The bonus to this type of job hunting is you have a personal connection and someone who can vouch for your character. That is what can sometimes catapult you into positions you may not have otherwise been able to obtain.
So, yes, you can formally apply for jobs and then sit and wait for a response that may or may not come. Or, you can reach out to those connections and see what can happen just by word of mouth alone.
Don’t Disregard a Temp Agency
If you are down on your luck and feeling that you aren’t securing employment fast enough, don’t hesitate to check out temp agencies. Many people tend to shy away from these agencies, and, for some reason, they tend to carry a sort of stigma. The truth is, when you need employment and are struggling to find it, temp agencies can help you get your foot in the door for a more permanent position.
Increase Training or Education
Enjoying what you do can increase the quality of your life. If you have the opportunity, why not work toward obtaining your degree or a certification that will allow you to do something you actually want to do? If you have the time during or after treatment, seek out a program that will enable you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary.
It may seem like an overwhelming task, but there are a lot of programs that can train you and even help you secure employment upon completion. For example, jobs in the medical field, the legal field, or even esthetics or cosmetology.
Keep Your Chin Up
Whatever you do, remain positive. For anyone, finding a job can take a toll on one’s spirit. However, for someone fresh out of treatment and in the world of recovery, this task can be extra stressful. Use the coping skills you have learned in treatment to help you remain calm.
Also, you can:
- Look for the positive in negative situations. For example, you can work, and you are capable of doing a job. That is a lot more than some people have.
- Continue with your treatment and support groups. Even if you find a job that will interfere with the time of your scheduled groups, make a point to rearrange them. Remember, you will remain in recovery and need the support to help ensure your recovery.
- Until you find a job, volunteer, idle time is never good for anyone. And volunteering is good for everyone. Therefore, if you find yourself struggling to secure employment, then find a volunteer position to soak up that idle time. Volunteering will give you purpose and allow you time to spread positivity and joy to others which, in turn, comes right back to you.
Find Employment After Addiction Treatment at Westwind Recovery®
Finding employment is hard for everyone, whether they’re fresh out of treatment or not. So, it is important to make sure you have taken the necessary steps to get the ball rolling. For help finding employment after addiction recovery, contact Westwind Recovery® today online or at 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
