Breakout Session: Employment Opportunities for Those in Recovery

Led by: Ramona Reno (Executive Director, Re-entry and Recovery Program, MassHire Holyoke Career Center; Holyoke, MA)

Summary: In this interactive workshop, participants will explore strategies to support individuals in recovery as they navigate employment opportunities. Designed for clinicians and social workers, the session integrates elements of the Recovery Ready Employment Specialist (RRES) training, focusing on creating recovery-ready workplaces, reducing stigma, and applying trauma-informed approaches. Attendees will engage in a hands-on activity to build empathy and understanding, learn effective motivational interviewing techniques, and discover actionable steps to collaborate with employers and community resources. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools to empower individuals in recovery to achieve economic stability and personal growth.