Through a grant from the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), we have been able to develop a Local Business Advisory Council (LBAC). The LBAC supports employers, particularly mental health agencies in their ability to employ persons living with mental illness. The LBAC is made up of mental health providers throughout the county who participate in regular meetings where business leaders can share their experiences, job opportunities and express their needs for support in employing individuals with psychiatric diagnoses as peer specialist.

This program goes hand in hand with our Peer Training program and helps to promote the utilization of peers within the mental health system.  The LBAC helps to identify and respond to the needs of employers by making our Peer Training program responsive to their needs.  In other words, we find out what skills a potential employer is looking for a peer worker and ensure that our class includes these areas in our focus.  We also work with providers on some of the logistical matters that must be considered when hiring a peer.

We assist both employers and job seekers by maintaining a listing of job opportunities that are available.  Additionally, we offer support to new employees and job-seekers through a monthly networking meeting.

The LBAC's goal is to help to forge a relationship between the needs of employers and employees. Consumers benefit from an increase in choices and options for employment in a competitive work environment. Employers gain an additional mechanism from which to recruit employees.

When mental health agencies hire a peer specialist they are gaining a valuable team member who can help from their own unique perspective.