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Volume 4, Issue 2 May, 2013
Inside this issue:
Better Health Leads To a Better Worker....……….1-2 Program Manager’s Corner…………………………...2 What not to Put on a Résumé ..3 ES Info Session Flyer………….4
ES Staff……..……..…….……5-6
Employment Services 1202 Morena Blvd., Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92102
Main: 619-276-8071 Fax: 619-276-3542
Employment Services provides
assistance and support to people
with mental illness in securing
meaningful and sustaining regular
part-time and full-time jobs of
their choice. The program focuses
and builds on the client’s
strengths and abilities. Another
important element of the program
is learning how to manage symp-
toms that may interfere with find-
ing and keeping a job.
Better Health Leads to a Better Worker
by Luis Blanco, Employment Specialist
Today I want to talk to you about work and health. In January 2012 our own
Employment Specialist Tanya Diaz wrote a piece, “Living a Healthy
Lifestyle” on the advantages of being healthy and the Live Well, San Diego!
initiative.
In 2010 the County of San Diego launched Live Well, San Diego! a 10 year
plan that calls to action all San Diegans to improve their health and
encourage healthier habits.
The health benefits of an active lifestyle accompanied by a healthy diet
cannot be ignored, from reduced weight gain, lower cholesterol, normalizing
blood pressure, controlling diabetes, lowered risk of stroke and heart disease
to many others. As part of Employment Services, our focus on health comes
in many forms; mental, physical, spiritual, social, as they are all crucial to
our participant’s success.
“Healthy choices are not easy, is an ongoing battle for every person,
including myself.” - William Erese, County Wellness Coordinator.
Changing, or fine-tuning our thinking is never easy. From "I need to work
out," to "today I am going to walk to the store" can make all the difference.
“Everything is one-step at a time, and you have to start from somewhere.” –
William Erese, County Wellness Coordinator.
At 6’1” and well overweight, I took my first step 3-1/2 to 4 years ago. One
day I decided I would go for a run, ten minutes to put on my work out
clothes, eight minutes to stretch, five minutes to walk around and warm up,
and in less than two minutes I was done. I was able to muster a run of 100
feet that day. The next day, about the same, one week later a ¼ mile, two
months later two miles, three months later, I ran 3.23 miles (5K). Today I
have worked my way to eight mile hikes around Mission Trails and six mile
runs around Miramar and along Mission Bay. I have lost 70+ pounds by
eating healthier and smaller portions, but I really saw and felt the difference
when I started to exercise. My body stopped hurting for no reason, I felt
muscles and body parts that I never felt before and I had more energy. To
put it in a nutshell, the more exercise you do, the more energy you’ll have.
Employment Services is funded by the Department of Rehabilitation and County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency
Work WORKS! Employment Services Newsletter
2
Home Office: 9465 Farnham Street,
San Diego, CA 92123
P (858) 573-2600
F (858) 573-2602
mhsinc.org
I know it might sound like a contradiction but you have to experience a
little bit of change and a little physical discomfort to understand the feel-
ing of well-being you’ll have after exerting yourself and even breaking a
sweat.
We often forget how physically strenuous going back to work is, and how
physical and mental tiredness can affect our work performance. Daily, we
are reminded by employers how necessary keeping active is for the suc-
cess of any new hire. The abilities to stay focused, positive, and meet em-
ployer expectations are easier for those in better health.
Physical re-education is something that can be done any time day or night.
Enjoying daily walks, sitting on a chair instead of lying on the couch, tak-
ing the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s a choice we make to hold our-
selves accountable in order to achieve our long term employment goals...
...because being in Better Health Leads to a Better Worker!
Here is a few websites to help get you started:
Local Farmers Markets:
http://www.sdfarmbureau.org/BuyLocal/Farmers-Markets.php
28 Best Trails to Bike, Hike or Stroll in San Diego http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/April-2012/Get-Outside
Live Well San Diego
http://www.livewellsandiego.org
Program Manager’s Corner By Kay Masaryk
Announcements are always a pleasure for us to report at Employment Ser-
vices. Here are a few:
Helen Ravanelli, previously a Generalist at the MHS Mariposa Club-
house, accepted a position with us in our North County locations. She
began on March 1 after Lisa Hurley moved onto other another position in
San Diego. Lisa continues to assist individuals with mental health chal-
lenges to advocate for themselves. Congratulations Lisa!
And, a welcome addition to our ES Central Region on Morena, is now
Luis Blanco! We certainly have a talented team countywide! Please see
the bio’s at the end of this newsletter for more information about Luis and
Helen, etc.
Robert Loeun, MS, is our new San Diego Department of Rehabilitation
District Manager; Robert came from Riverside County as a Supervisor
where he had a special interest and experience in serving individuals with
mental health challenges. Other changes at DOR are, Sonia Peterson, MS,
CRC, is the District’s first assigned Staff Services Manager I – District
Operations Support, previously she was the North Coastal Supervisor; and
Barbara Lamb, MBA, CRC, is the newly assigned MHS Employment Ser-
vices, Contract Monitor, previously she was East Region Supervisor.
Locally, DOR is moving forward in implementing a team approach with
each Unit and Office throughout San Diego. Please look for more infor-
mation about this “Modernization” project in our September edition.
The Commission on Ac-
creditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities (CARF)
announced that Mental
Health Systems (MHS),
Employment Services pro-
gram has been accredited
for a period of three years
for its community employ-
ment services: Job develop-
ment, job support and job
site training. The latest ac-
creditation is the fifth con-
secutive three-year accredi-
tation that the international
accrediting body has
awarded to MHS, Employ-
ment Services.
This decision represents the
highest level of accredita-
tion that can be awarded to
an organization and shows
the organization’s substan-
tial conformance to the
CARF standards.
3
ES Alumni, Lisa Garcia, was voted one of DOR’s “Most Notable Person of the Year.” You can read the full
article here: http://dor.ca.gov/DOR-50-Years/50-Notable-10-Lisa-Garcia.html. Lisa is well-known for her
work at Community Research Foundation’s Heartland Center and her commitment to Abraham Low’s Recov-
ery International Self-Help. She assists in managing some of their local support groups in San Diego
County. For more information on Recovery International visit their website at:
http://www.lowselfhelpsystems.org
April Longhurst, Employment Services Office Manager, was voted, “San Diego Behavioral Heath’s Admin-
istrative Support Person of the Year.” She will be honored at the annual dinner, this year on, May 31, 2013,
at the Mission Valley Marriott. Congratulations April!!! You are hard-working, dedicated and a positive role
model with a great sense of humor. Thank you for helping everyone everyday.
Lastly, Employment Services will be holding their regional annual SWOT meetings in July. SWOT is a busi-
ness term for identifying strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats. Our ES program thrives on feed-
back. We learn each year what has worked for you and what hasn’t. We invite all current client participants,
DOR staff, mental health providers and family members to attend within the community they live and repre-
sent. You will see an email or a letter coming to you to invite you to this helpful meeting for all stakeholders
of Employment Services.
What Not to Put on Your Résumé By Amy Levin-Epstein—CBS Money Watch
1. Outdated or obvious tech skills. "Proficient in Microsoft Word" has no place on a resume, said Brad
Karsh, president of JB Training Solutions. "It is 2013. If you compiled your resume you obviously know how
to use Microsoft Word," says Karsh. "Do not waste space on your resume to showcase that you know how to
use everyday workplace tools such as Microsoft Office, Google, or Facebook."
2. Inside industry speak. You don't know who will be vetting your resume. Sometimes, it will be a recruiter
who is not familiar with industry terms. Other times, it will go straight to the hiring manager, who will know
lingo associated with the job. Err on the side of caution and write your resume so anyone can understand it.
"Use 'plain English' and avoid industry jargon or technical phrases," says Ford Myers,
3. Fancy formatting. The content should catch the eye of the reader -- not weird typefaces or formatting.
"Keep the layout simple and clean -- almost boring," suggests Myers. The one exception? If you're applying
to be a graphic designer, there may be a little more leeway. But whatever type of job you're going for, aim to
keep the format consistent and easy to read, says Myers.
4. Certain personal information. With identity theft a prevalent problem these days, things like your date of
birth and social security number should be left off your resume, notes Louise Kusmarck, resume expert and
founder of career consulting firm Best Impression Career Services, Inc. This is especially important when
you're putting your resume into an online database that may be susceptible to hacking.
5. Obscure awards. If you want to mention an industry or academic award that's not widely known, take a
line or two to describe what the award signifies, suggests Karsh: "Otherwise, take it off of your resume."
4
Do You Need Assistance in Getting Back to Work?
Find out how you can earn money and improve the quality of your life by being employed
To Qualify for Services: Currently receiving services from a San Diego County Mental Health
provider / contractor or Clubhouse Member Have a diagnosed psychiatric disability or mental illness At least 18 years of age
With MHS Employment Services you will learn: Job choices you qualify for Skills you possess and how to apply them to your
new job How your earnings may affect your SSI / SSDI Benefits How to enjoy and keep your job
For more information attend an Employment Services Info Session
To RSVP Call 619-276-8071 ext. 0
Region Location Date and Time
Central / North Central
MHS Employment Services
1202 Morena Blvd. Ste 201
San Diego, CA 92110
Each Monday
1:30 to 3:00 pm
East County
East County Mental Health
1000 E Broadway
El Cajon, CA 92021
Last Thursday of Month
10:00 to 11:00 am
South County
Dept of Rehabilitation
855 3rd
Ave., Ste. 3350
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Third Tuesday of Month
2:30 to 3:30 pm
North Coastal North Coastal Mental Health
1701 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054
Third Thursday of Month
1:00 to 2:00 pm
North Inland
North Inland Mental Health
125 W. Mission Ave., Ste. 103
Escondido, CA 92025
Third Monday of Month
1:00 to 2:00 pm
5
Elizabeth "Liz" Magana, Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth started with Mental Health Systems in July 2010 with San Diego Employment
Solutions as an Administrative Assistant. She transferred to Employment Services in
October 2011. Elizabeth is responsible for inputting all client information into a database,
and assists clients and staff with clerical support. She greets staff and clients with a smile
and cheerful voice. Elizabeth is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Skyler Samaniego, Employment Specialist, South Bay
Skyler has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his work experience includes being a mental health counselor in an acute and outpatient psychiatric facility, case manager for
troubled adolescents and an alcohol and drug case manager. Skyler is bilingual in English
and Spanish. He has been with Employment Services since 2004.
Kathy Young, Business Services Strategist, Job Developer
Kathy has her degree in business administration and has worked with individuals with multiple barriers to employment for over nine years. Prior to going into social work, she was
a business owner and an HR Manager. She spent the first six years working for a contractor
for the County of San Diego for Welfare-To-Work, CalWORKs as a Supervisor for ACS (formerly Lockheed Martin) in the East Region of San Diego County. The focus of the
position was to teach and manage staff to assist individuals with barriers, and from varying
socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, to find and retain employment, and to do employer outreach. She has been Employment Service’s Job Developer since 2008.
Kay Masaryk, MS, CPRP , Program Manager
Kay offers a variety of experience with operations and mental health counseling. As Program Manager, she is responsible for the general operation of Employment Services.
Her responsibilities include staff training and management, budget review, program and
problem solving, development and agency representation with Department of Rehabilitation, San Diego County Mental Health and CARF accrediting surveyors. She
has worked in the mental health field for over 30 years and has been with Employment
Services since 2002.
Meet Your Employment Services’ Team
April Longhurst, Office Manager April has been with MHS, Employment Services since 2001. She started as the Administrative
Assistant and recently became Office Manager. She is the MHS Safety Officer and is on the
ES, Risk & Accessibility Committee. April is responsible for the central office running
smoothly and coordinating with the out stationed ES offices and community partners.
6
Meet Your Employment Services’ Team
Lourdes Arce, Employment Specialist, East County
Lourdes is originally from Lima, Peru. Her work experience includes 12 years in social services, providing case management support to adults. For the past 9 years she worked with clients on
probation, helping them with case management and working with them to overcome barriers to
employment. She also worked with CalWORKs for 2 years. Lourdes is bilingual in Spanish and English. She has been with Employment Services since September 2010.
Luis A. Blanco Jr., Employment Specialist, Central Region
Luis is a former New York City Paramedic, and a State of California Employment Program Representative. As a vocational instructor for the past 15 years, he has worked with various
organizations in San Diego County and out of state. He coordinated with agencies throughout
San Diego County to develop relationships in order to gain access to programs, employment opportunities, and other services. Specializing in job development services for clients with
multiple barriers, long-term unemployed, monolingual, disabled, and most recently ex-
offenders, provides Luis a well rounded and unique approach to job development.
Tanya Diaz, M.S., C.R.C., Employment Specialist, Central Region
Tanya is a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Program at San Diego State University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She has an Advance Certificate
specializing in mental health. She interned with the Department of Rehabilitation for over one
year with a focus on individuals with mental health diagnoses. She has two years experience working with individuals with various disabilities and homeless populations.
Helen Ravanelli, Employment Specialist, North Coastal & Inland Regions Helen received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Biola University in 2012 and joined
the Employment Services team in 2013. She has been providing employment and education
related services since 1994 in a variety of settings such as colleges, universities, temporary
staffing agencies, welfare to work programs, and most recently at the Mariposa Clubhouse in
Oceanside, CA. She understands the unique demands for resources in this region and will be
the North County Employment Specialist located in MHS’s Oceanside and Escondido Clinics.
Helen was awarded one of RICA’s, “This Person Award” in 2013.
Raymond Zambo, MS, MFT, Employment Specialist , Central
“There is no barrier that can hold back a motivated and enthusiastic candidate.” For the past 18 years, this philosophy has aided Ray to be successful when working with clients
who have a disability. With a Masters in counseling and as a licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist, he works to create balance within a client's life so they may be victorious with whatever they set out to do. Ray has been with Employment Services since 2001.
