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Employment Through Behavioral Wellness
Achieve financial stability and greater independence
through employment and education.
We follow Alaska’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, which emphasizes rapid job placement and ongoing support for individuals with mental health challenges.
Our program is based on evidence-based practices and principles that emphasize the individual's choice, preferences, and strengths in the job search and retention process. IPS has been shown to be highly effective in helping individuals with mental health challenges obtain and maintain competitive employment. Most people can work without losing their health benefits.
Alaska's Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Model
What is IPS? Learn more.
Cindy Vacilie
MS, CDC-I, AMC-S,
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist; Behavioral Health Clinician
Services
1
Start with an assessment and a treatment plan
When you come to us, we’ll set up a behavioral health assessment with Cindy, our Mental Health Clinician, who will evaluate your initial needs and strengths.
She will then meet with you, and your supports if needed, to develop a person-centered treatment plan that focuses on areas identified during the assessment and matches your goals with our employment services.
You’ll continue to meet with the clinician at least monthly for one-on-one therapy.
Cindy's philosophy & approach:
I believe my role in counseling is to help facilitate growth in individuals, by drawing on their strengths, resources, and past experience. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches with evidence-based interventions that are integrated to best meet a client's needs.
2a
Find a job or create an education plan
Our Employment Specialists will help identify your strengths and look for positions based on your interests. They will meet with you one-on-one as you work on your treatment plan goals towards stable employment and will serve as the bridge of contact between families and team members to keep the care team connected.
2b
Get access to essential resources
Sometimes the process includes creating stability by applying for housing and covering the basics like food and transportation. Our Case Managers can connect you with resources and support you with items like access to public assistance, the food bank, Alaska Housing, and much more. We think there’s nothing better than seeing you move into your own place and earn a paycheck.
3
Receive continuous support to stay employed and work toward your goals
Once a job is secured, you can get ongoing assistance from your Employment Specialist through coaching, job accommodations, and advocacy. If you wish, they can advocate on your behalf to employers.
If a job doesn't work out for any reason, we will help you find another job. We’ll also connect you to local trainings and certifications, help you apply for educational institutions and programs and help set your long-term career goals.
Upon moving to Kenai in March of 2022, I was homeless and moved into Friendship Mission Shelter. There I felt as if my life was a slow crawl, but I was blessed to be able to move into a place called Alpha House, which is a Men's Spiritual home. Upon living there, I was able to find out about Frontier Community Services and my life has never been the same.
The attentiveness, the knowledge, the benefits, and the sense of urgency these wonderful people have shown me totally took my breath away. Not only was Frontier Community Services instrumental in my mental & psychological healing, but financial healing as well. With the help of my Employment Specialist Bexx, I was able to obtain permanent employment as a Breakfast attendant at Quality Inn in Kenai, which I am coming up on my 1-year anniversary. Within a year, with the help of my counselor and Case Manager, I have found a residence, and through my Mental Health Trust Grant, my new wonderful place is totally furnished. Not to mention I have a wonderful Clinician who has provided me with the necessary tools to succeed. With the help of Frontier Community Services, my vision has never been clearer.
- Michael Washington
Frontier Community Services does not provide psychiatric care, psychotropic medication management, or substance abuse treatment. We recognize that these are real needs in our community, and will refer you to an appropriate provider for assistance.