Vocational & Life Skills Training | Maryland Addiction Recovery Center

Much more than job training, MARC’s process teaches the necessary life skills for independence and self-sufficiency, helping patients find purpose and direction in early recovery and beyond.

In order to truly treat addiction effectively, treatment must include supportive services that aid patients into transitioning into the next phase of early recovery, which includes a vocational or career path that allows patients to be both self-supportive, as well as learn how to live and work while sustaining a successful recovery. One of the things that sets Maryland Addiction Recovery Center apart from other rehabs or treatment centers is a comprehensive vocational track that guides and supports patients to effectively and appropriately transition from treatment into the next phase of employment with necessary life skills. MARC’s vocational track offers patients a one-on-one customized approach to real life issues that often can be a barrier to recovery.

MARC’s vocational track process includes a phased system that guides and supports patients into learning the necessary skill set to search, find and acquire employment, and then learn to live in early recovery with the responsibilities of being a productive member of society within the local community. Patients learn professional behavior and attire, job search and interview skills, interaction with employers and as an employee. Once employed, patients create a customized treatment schedule that clinically supports both employment and recovery. Patients learn how to live on their own, with the necessary clinical support of MARC’s therapists and vocational specialists, so that the stressors of the “real world” that can often cause relapse or barriers to recovery, are successfully navigated and diminished.

How we approach Life Skills Development

At MARC, Life Skills Development includes:

One-on-one counseling with expert life skills counselors
Counseling completely tailored to the individual
Examination of social barriers preventing recovery
Custom plan to break through barriers and achieve long term goals

When is a patient ready for Vocational?

Patients that move into the vocational phase of treatment at MARC are:

Active group participants that have engaged in clinical programming
Involved in their recovery outside of the clinical treatment setting
Have learned to maturely communicate with their family and loved ones
Are respectful of staff
Have been medication compliant
Keep their apartments and living spaces tidy and presentable
Have demonstrated the ability to be a leader or role model to other community members
Go out of their way to help others and make new community members feel welcome

What are the phases of the program?

Pre-Vocational
Patients will assess their skills by completing a pre-vocational packet & acquire materials needed to successfully start the vocational process such as an ID or driver’s license and interview appropriate clothing.

Phase 1
Patients attend two vocational groups per week as well as meet with MARC’s Vocational Specialist individually one time per week. During this time, patients will build a resume, practice job interview skills, and ultimately apply for work, attend job interviews, and find a job that suits their individualized needs, interests and passion.

Phase 2
Patients will be actively working and experiencing slightly more freedom while continuing to attend vocational group and openly discuss what they are learning and the challenges they are facing, as well as successes they are experiencing. Patients will also be signed up for and utilize a True Link Card so that the vocational specialist can see and monitor their spending habits and help them to learn and sustain budgeting skills.

Phase 3
Patients will continue to work, attend vocational groups when possible, and meet with the MARC Vocational Specialist individually twice monthly for continued support and direction. Patients will begin to experience even more independence and less monitoring from MARC staff, while still having full access to clinical, medical and vocational support.