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What to tell prospective employers?

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 8/20/2011 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am on disability for my numerous mental illnesses. I am fine as long as I don't get too stressed. I haven't been in the hospital for 4 years. I am quite capable of very small amounts of work. I want a job in elder care as a companion, as I enjoy working with the elderly and one can find very small jobs, less than 8 hours a week. (That is my max, 8 hours.) The problem is, I will have to say I am on disability and what if they ask me why? Would an ordinary person without any knowledge of mental illnesses really want to leave their loved one in the care of some cuckoo? Is there a good euphemism? Should I lie? Would saying I have a "brain disorder" be truthful? Would it sound less like I am a crazy person? I don't know, when I come to this stumbling block, I feel very discouraged. Mental illness is so little understood in general.

Any ideas?
Posted 8/20/2011 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
I think disclosing and explaining symptoms, rather than listing diagnoses can be an effective way around this a. because it thoroughly educates the person what your illness means specifically for you and b. it avoids the application of incorrect mentally ill stereotypes to your unique situation, symptoms and personality.
Posted 8/21/2011 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not quite sure what you mean by disclosing symptoms...
Posted 8/21/2011 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
also get your dr to affirm that you can work the minimum hours. try and find agencies that help people with mental illness find emoployment too, thus you will have understanding prospective employers to go to, all the best, jamie
Posted 8/21/2011 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
saying "I have fatigue, foggy head... " (symptoms) is more explanatory than just saying I have bipolar (diagnosis).
Posted 8/22/2011 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
You should recieve a legal job description before you apply.  This lists the essential functions of the job.  On your application or hire papers, you will sign off that you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accomodation for disabilities.

You talk to the hiring manager and state that you are disabled and what accomodations you need.  You need to know in advance what accomodations you need.

For example, you know that you cannot work over 8 hours a week, you cannot take coworker's shifts.  Maybe you need a set schedule and cannot switch days with other employees. 

I've received accomodations in school and work:

Use of service dog

Flexibility in attendance (that was in school)

3 extra unpaid sick days per month

Complete control of work schedule (I can literally take a nap at work, or cross myself off the schedule for days.)

Set schedule - 1 extra day off a week

Bring child to work

Private work space

Music in workspace

I have always been lucky to have understanding people to work with.  The university had it's own office for services for disabled students.  They gave me a lot of confidence.  I work for my fiance now, so I don't have to worry about this stuff and I've gotten the accomodations I need... and some extra stuff I want.  :)  Although it does cause some tensions because people didn't know I am disabled.  I have a coworker whose son has binplar disorder, so she completely gets it.  That's nice.  One time she noticed I was "crabby" and made all my phone calls to clients for me that day.  :)

If it seems hard, call your local disability office and ask for a "ticket to work".  They'll take care of a lot of this stuff for you and it is competely clear to the employer what they need to do and that they MUST comply.

good luck!

 

Posted 8/22/2011 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, Tortoise, you know a lot about work and disability! Unfortunately, I am not dealing with an agency, as they have no interest in people who work 8 hours a week. I will be dealing with individuals directly. I might investigate the ticket to work thing, but last time I had truck with the folks that administer the ticket to work program, they pushed me to do more than I was capable of and then criticized me when I was unable to follow through. It was really a nightmare. But that was 12 years ago, and I might see what things are like now. Thank you so much for your response.

Indeed, thank you to all who have responded, Living Well and Jamiee. You guys are areal support.
Posted 8/22/2011 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
I called the special ticket to work information line. The program is designed for those who want to return to full time work in order to be self sufficient. That's not me. The lady on the phone tried to talk me into it, but it was really clear that the sole purpose of the program is to get people off social security benefits. So I will not be availing myself of that service. But it was a really good idea Tortoise, and I wanted to let you know I value your input and investigated your suggestion.
Posted 8/24/2011 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
keeping you in my thoughts and i dearly hope something turns up 4 you. with compassion, jamie
Posted 9/21/2011 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Do not reveal your BP to your employers! You have been stable for 4 years. If you reveal, your supervisor will constantly be scrutinizing your work. Work done by a co-worker not BP can be performed at a lower level than yours without reprisal.

You unnecessarily start off with mark against you if you tell employer.

Hope that helps.
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