Employment Resource Center

At AIM Center, we believe that employment often enhances a Clubhouse members’ sense of identity, self-worth, and overall well-being. Through our supported employment programs, we connect members with meaningful, competitive job opportunities that foster dignity, purpose, and financial independence. By partnering with local businesses, we create tailored employment options that allow members to transition back into the workforce at their own pace. Our Clubhouse staff provide individualized support and help members to overcome barriers, which increase success and long-term stability in the work place. AIM Center offers two different options for Clubhouse members to pursue employment: Transitional Employment (TE) and Individual Placement & Support (IPS).

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of individuals living with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) are able to secure employment without a supportive employment program.

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of individuals in accredited Clubhouse programs gain employment each year, compared to just 20% in the public mental health system.

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of AIM Center members seeking employment secured jobs within six months.

Which Pathway is Right For You?

The TE Program

AIM Center offers short-term, entry-level positions as a stepping stone into the workforce, providing members with a structured environment to build confidence and skills through Transitional Employment (TE). These roles ensure a smooth transition without disrupting employer productivity, supporting both members and businesses in the process.

TE is a temporary, part-time position designed to last six to nine months, giving members a supportive and structured opportunity to re-enter the workforce. The goal is to help members build confidence, sharpen their skills, and gain real-world experience so they feel empowered to pursue a permanent job in the field of their choice. Once a member completes their placement, another member is able to step into the role and receive hands-on training and encouragement from AIM Center staff, continuing the cycle of growth, hope, and opportunity.

The IPS Program

Individual Placement & Support (IPS) is an evidence-based employment program that helps individuals with serious mental illness find and keep meaningful jobs. Integrated with mental health services, IPS prioritizes rapid job search and ongoing support tailored to each person’s goals, utilizing community partners, the employer and wrap around services within the Clubhouse. This is all done based upon each individual’s needs with time unlimited supports and rapid job search. Services and supports include strategic job development, coaching and long term supports to manage and maintain employment.

In collaboration with members and community employers, we assist with obtaining and maintaining competitive and community-integrated employment. Using a multidisciplinary team approach, IPS specialists work with AIM Center’s service coordinators, in addition to community mental health partners, vocational rehabilitation counselors, transportation providers and other community partners serving our members. These coordinated services and supports help our members overcome traditional barriers and maintain employment.

“Finding a job wasn’t an easy task, but I needed something to do other than just sitting around at my apartment. Just staying focused on the job helps my mental health. I like helping my customers bag groceries, making sure I’m getting all the buggies in, being on time, and just staying focused on my job.”

-Aaron, AIM Member

“It has been such a pleasure working with The AIM Center and providing members with an opportunity to gain work experience and build confidence, which puts them in a stronger position to fully rejoin society through paid work.”

-Rock City, Transitional Employment Partner since 2023

“One of the things that I like about having a job is that it keeps my mind busy. If I wasn’t working, I would really be lying in bed all day doing nothing and not being productive. I like being productive. I like getting the money at the end of the week, being able to get up in the morning and getting ready for work even if there are days that I cannot event get up.”

– Camille, AIM Member