BI Tip Card 2016 1 - Rocky Mountain Human Services

Brain Injury Support
Are you ready to go back to work?
The Brain Injury Program recently held an
Employment Workshop, and I was able to snag the
program’s Powerpoint presentation. The workshop
brought up good ideas to start with, and I thought I
would share some of these thoughts for anyone who
couldn’t make the workshop. (If you couldn’t make it
and want more detailed information, request the
Powerpoint from your BISS).
Complete a self-assessment that helps you
understand what type of work environment you
would like to start working in. Think of occupations
that are a good match for you by considering light
and noise sensitivity, crowds and space of the
working environment. Consider your energy level in
the morning, afternoon, and evening. What hours
would you thrive the most in? To explore this more,
take a look at free online assessments such as
MYNEXTMOVE, an interactive tool for job seekers
and students to learn more about career options,
tasks, salary and much more. Find it online at:
http://www.mynextmove.org/exp
Aside from figuring out what field of work you are
best suited for, you must consider any barriers to
employment that you may have and figure out
solutions to overcome them. Some common
barriers are the cost of daycare if you have
children, transportation, multiple doctor
TBI Assist Hours: Boulder
January 27, 11am-1pm
4875 Pearl E. Cir., Suite 301, Boulder
RSVP: Matyson at (866) 245-6600
It’s also important to take inventory on the pros
of working when you start to get discouraged.
Consider earning more money to help you and
your family out financially, independence, new
friends, improved confidence, chance to learn
new skills, and maybe less stress due to an
increase in financial security.
If you have considered all of the above
information and have decided going back to work
makes the most sense, then it’s time to get
started on your resume and cover letter. A great
resume and cover letter will help grab the
attention of employers and recruiters. To get help
with this reach out to your local Department of
Vocational Rehabilitation,
your local Workforce
Center, a friend, family, or
an old colleague to help
you get started. Your BISS
can also help point you in
the right direction.
TBI As
sist H
ours
Reser
ve an :
appoi
ntm
comm ent in your
u
(866) nity! Call
245-6
600
for de
tails.
More Event Info: www.Facebook.com/RMHSTBI
brain
injury
appointments, effects on benefits, fatigue, and
stress. These topics will need to be addressed
beforehand so you set yourself up for success
before starting a new job.
Upcoming Events
TBI Assist Hours: Fort Collins
January 12, 10am-12pm
1017 Robertson Street, Fort Collins
RSVP: Matyson at (866) 245-6600
after
Tips for Thriving
Featured Resource
is becoming
The Colorado
Workforce Centers
www.yourworkforcecenter.com
Find a location near you to get assistance
with open jobs, writing resumes, free
classes, trainings and much more.
Denver Options
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO.169
9900 E. Iliff Ave. | Denver, CO 80231
Tips for
Thriving after
Brain Injury:
Are you ready to
go back to work?
Funded by the
This material was developed
and produced by Rocky
Mountain Human Services,
and is shared with
permission.
Success Story: Kirk
For Kirk McGary landing a job that he enjoys took nearly 16 years after a motor vehicle
accident changed his life and left him with a traumatic brain injury and amnesia dating
back to the first 17 years of his life.
Once the initial work of recovery to get physically stable was done, Kirk was left with no
resources and no direction. Long and empty days followed which caused depression. Kirk
reports that at one point he was able to find a job but that due to the uncertainty of hours
and schedule that he quit because he didn’t feel fulfilled. Kirk looks back now and realized
that his old job working at a paint ball field didn’t work out because there was no structure
and with having a brain injury he needed a set schedule and set tasks.
About a year ago Kirk was at his lowest point and said, “I just couldn’t sit around my house anymore and feel
depressed and lonely”. Kirk applied to a dozen places around his community. He got a call from Walmart for an
interview. Kirk states that he was nervous and there were times in the interview that he didn’t know the answer, but
he was honest and didn’t try to upsell experience he didn’t go through. Kirk was hired. Kirk was given a set schedule
and has been able to work 40 hour weeks. I asked if he felt fatigued or tired. Kirk responded, “Not at all, I have a
place to go to, employees that respect me.”
Kirk found the courage to get out in the community and figure out what he needs from a job so he can be successful.
I asked Kirk how he was able to transform his life in a year. Kirk responded, “I just wanted a better life and I was no
longer afraid to fail.”
Contact RMHS Brain Injury Support:
Apply for Services:
Ph: (866) 245-6600
www.rmhumanservices.org/bi
Contact the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado
www.Facebook.com/RMHSTBI
Ph: (800) 955-2443
www.biacolorado.org