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Running head: GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

Group Model Protocol


Emily Severance and Sam Mitchell
Touro University Nevada

Group 9:

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

Adults with chronic recurrent depression attending a psychosocial clubhouse program and
needing to address returning to gainful employment.

General Functional Group Model Protocol:


1.

Name of Group: Reentering the Workforce after Experiencing Depression

2.

Time/length of meetings: 1:00- 2:00 PM, Monday and Wednesday, 8 sessions, in 4 weeks

3.

Place/Location: Clubhouse/Learning Skills Classroom

4.

Group Format: Open or closed group, and why

The group format is a closed group with mandatory attendance. The group is closed due to the
requirement by the Clubhouse Employment Program, that all clubhouse members looking to
reenter the workforce and receive services from the employment program must participate in a
four week group prior to all interviews to ensure a higher success rate.
5.

Statement of rationale for group:

Many times after a person has experienced debilitating depression, they have experienced large
gaps in employment and are struggling to get back into the workforce. Therefore, the rationale
for this group is to increase each group members confidence to find and maintain gainful
employment. The group series Re-entering the Workforce after Experiencing Depression is
coupled with the Clubhouse Employment Program. Therefore, each participant is learning how
to apply for, interview for, and be competent in a workplace setting before interviewing for a
specific position set up by the Clubhouse Employment Program.

6.

Frame of reference or practice model

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

The frame of reference used for this group will be the Cognitive Behavioral frame of reference.
The Cognitive Behavioral FOR will use the members cognitive function to influence and change
their behavior through self-reflection, practice, role-playing, and self-monitoring.
7.

Group goals:

Primary Goal:
To enhance group members individual competency in finding and maintaining gainful
employment.
Member Objectives:
Clients will be able to state with no prompts during the group one of their needs
Clients will state at least one strength and ability about him/her self during each group.
Clients will make eye contact with other in the group when speaking
Clients will suggest at least one new idea during each group
Clients will create a resume to take with them on job interviews
Clients will be able to describe during role play activities the reasons behind the gaps in their
employment history
Client will describe what he/she is going to wear for the job interview.
Client will develop 3 personal coping strategies on how to deal with stress in the workplace
Leader Objectives:
To create a safe and comfortable environment in which all group members feel that their
contributions are heard and valued by all.
To evaluate problems with performance related to occupational behaviors for functioning in the
roles required to be successful in the workplace.
To determine needs for patient referral for individual outpatient services.

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

Rationale for goal selection:


Experiencing debilitating depression can affect a persons personal and professional life.
Therefore, many times, a person who experienced depression also experienced a loss of
employment. Because depression is usually experienced over a long period of time, many people
also have substantial gaps in employment. Thus, making it harder to find new employment
opportunities. After getting rejected from multiple jobs, a person who has a history of depression
can easily slip back into a depressive state. This group series provides strategies on how to
address gaps in employment, and teaches each group member tips for the job application process
(Danley, Hutchinson, & Restrepo-Toro, 2010). Furthermore, this group also provides a job
placement at the end of the eight sessions, which will give opportunities for each group member
to utilize the tips and strategies they just learned. Experts increasingly acknowledge that work is
a key factor in supporting mental wellness and warding off its reverse, mental illness (The
Center for Reintegration, 2003). Therefore, the primary goal to enhance group members
individual competency in finding and maintaining gainful employment is very appropriate.
8.

Outcome criteria for successful goal attainment in session(s) stated in behavioral terms

Prior to the group series, each member will be matched with a potential job placement site (via
the staff at the Clubhouse). Even though each member is matched to the job placement site prior
to the group series, members will need to complete the full job application process for that job
(in order to utilize strategies learned in group). Therefore, if the group participant applies for the
job, interviews, and successfully obtains a job, the group members will be attaining the overall
group goal. If a participant does not obtain employment at that particular job site, they will be rematched and will have to complete the entire job application process at the new site.
9.

Group composition or criteria for selecting members

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

The Clubhouse Employment Program requires all clubhouse members looking to reenter the
workforce and receive services from the employment program to participate in the four week
group prior to all interviews. The group is unavailable to all persons outside of the Clubhouse
Employment Program.
10. Leadership roles and functions
Two leaders will be heading the group. Each meeting is written, organized, and directed by the
group leaders. The leadership roles and functions include:
To create a group structure that encourages member involvement in the group activities.
To ensure safety of individual members
To increase the morale of the group
To model appropriate behaviors in social situations
To encourage all members to be active within the group
To act as a resource for group activities
11. Characteristics of group contract, if using
Members are expected to attend the sessions on a regular basis. Members are required to remain
in each group session for the whole one hour session. Material discussed by other group
members should not be shared outside of the group unless within the confines of a therapeutic
relationship with staff or by group leaders to maintain safety of the members. Physical and verbal
abuse is prohibited in the group. If members are unable to fulfill the requirements of the contract,
they will be asked to leave or will be removed from the group.

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

Individual Contract for Group Sessions


I will attend every session (1-8) for the entire 60 minutes.
I will not share any information/discussion with other group members outside of the group
session.
I will not talk or interrupt others while they share their thoughts and experiences.
I will not use physical and verbal abuse during the sessions.
I will willing participate in the groups activities.
If I cannot fulfill the requirements of the group contract, I will be asked to leave or be removed
from the group.
______________________________
Print Name
______________________________
Signature

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12. Group methods and procedures to be employed: Briefly describe or list methods, techniques,
modalities.
Sessions 1: Skills Testing: Which Job is Right for You?
Description: During this session, members will be given a skills/interest questionnaire to
determine which type of career and environment best suits their personality. The group will
discuss current career opportunities that match their skills.
Session 2: Review/Revising Resume
Description: During this session, members will bring their current resume and will attend the
presentation How to Enhance Your Resume. This presentation will also touch on how to
address gaps in employment. After the presentation, the group will break into pairs and will edit
their resumes based on the lecture.
Session 3: Reviewing the Job Application Process
Description: During this session, members will be taught the basic application process. The
session will also address how to stay motivated when a position is not available, or what to do if
the applicant doesnt hear back from the hiring establishment in an appropriate amount of time.
Session 4: Interview Tips and Strategies
Description: During this session, members will learn strategies for addressing gaps in
employment. Members will also be taught some small tips that aim to project a higher level of
confidence and competency during the interview process. Role playing and acting out successful
interviews will be part of this session.
Session 5: Workplace Etiquette
Description: During this session, members will review what topics of discussion are appropriate
and inappropriate for the workplace.

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

Session 6: Dress for Success


Description: During this session, the group will discuss proper attire for job interviewing and
specific occupations. Members will be measured for suits and be referred to an organization that
can supply them with the appropriate clothing and accessories.
Session 7: Healthy Social Interaction in the Workplace
Description: During the session, the group will discuss healthy relationships in the workplace.
Areas such as sexual harassment, inter relations in the workplace, appropriate supervisor
employee relationships, and friendships in the workplace will be discussed.
Session 8: Coping Strategies within the Workplace
Description: During the session, the group will discuss real life experiences within the
workplace. Members will role play scenarios showing healthy ways to cope with stress and
conflict in the workplace.

Specific Functional Group Model Session Plan Protocol:

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

1. Name of Group: Interviewing Tips and Strategies within the series Reentering the
Workforce after Experiencing Depression
2. Date to be led: February 11, 2014
3. Stage of Group Development: Fourth session out of eight sessions
4. Specific goals for the group session:
To teach group members how to address their gaps in employment.
To teach group members how to introduce themselves more confidently.
To teach group members strategies that they can utilize in the interview process to decrease their
anxiety and stress.
5. Specific goals for group members is different from those mentioned already and goals for each
group member:
To identify one new tip (verbally in front of the group) that the participant learned about
interviewing
Each participant will demonstrate good eye contact when introducing themselves to the group
Each participant will demonstrate appropriate volume when introducing themselves to the group.
Each participant will demonstrate a firm handshake
6. Description and rationale for methods and procedures:
This session will promote participation from all group members through acting and playing
games. Because this is the fourth session in a series of eight sessions, members should already
feel comfortable enough with one another to participate. This group is a closed group, so there
will be no new members arriving for this session. Playing games during this session will turn a
slightly boring subject into something new and fun for the participants. Games are intended to
keep the group members attention. Furthermore, the members will be demonstrating skills

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within the games and skits that are presented to them. This will help each participant practice
(and hopefully master) these new skills. Part of the session will be a presentation. This
presentation will be engaging yet informative. Giving participants reasoning behind why such
skills are important during an interview and the need to practice these important strategies.
7. Description and rationale for leadership role:
There will be two group leaders for this session. The two group leaders are familiar with the
entire job application process, and have experience leading groups. They are also very familiar
with symptoms of depression and have worked with people experiencing depression in the past.
The two group leaders have led all other sessions in the Reentering the Workforce series.
Keeping the leadership consistent throughout all sessions will encourage members of the group
to feel comfortable. There will be two group leaders instead of one group leader because this
group is a fairly large group. With two group leaders, games will be easily facilitated, and
splitting into small groups is an option.
8. Describe necessary preparations:
The group leaders will create appropriate interview scripts and will bring printed copies to the
session. The meeting room will need to be set up with enough space for games to be played and
appropriate interview scenarios to be acted out in front of the entire group.
9. List material, equipment and budget needed:
Table and Chairs
Computer and Overhead Projector
Interview Scripts
Ample Space to Play Games

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10. Time and sequence outline for sessions, including what you will do and say leader and what
the group will do; consider both content and process
Throughout this group session, the group leaders will keep an eye on the clock and will adjust
certain activities and the length of time needed according to the group members nonverbal body
language. It is hard to designate the correct time for each activity, but times are listed in
parentheses below.

The group leaders will present a short PowerPoint presentation on tips and strategies for
the interview process, and will touch on how to address gaps in employment. (7 minutes)

Towards the end of the presentation, the group leaders will ask group members if they
can come up with personal examples of how to address their gaps in employment. (5
minutes)

The group leaders will ask that everyone participate in a game that practices eye contact
and hand shaking (5 minutes)

The group leaders will pick volunteers to act out successful and appropriate interview
behavior via interview scenarios that the group leaders have come up with. (15 minutes)

The group leaders will address negative (unintentional) behavior during each skit by
asking clarifying questions. (2 minutes)

The group leaders will ask group members that did not participate in the scene to
comment on what they saw and what they might have done differently after each skit. (2
minutes)

As a closing activity, the group leaders will ask each group member to say one new
tip/strategy that they learned from this session. (5 minutes)

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

11.

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Other information pertinent to the specific session: for example: Will there be any

new members, co-leaders, or guests? Is there an unusual tone on the unit or


special event that is about to occur or just occurred for the individual member or group?
There are no special events occurring in this session. This session is the fourth session in an eight
session series. Persons involved in this group have experienced depression at one point in their
lives. Most likely, participants have also experienced large gaps in employment, and are
currently transitioning back into the workforce.

GROUP MODEL PROTOCOL

References:
Dooley, D., Prause, J., Ham-Rowbottom K.A. (2000). Underemployment and depression:
Longitudinal relationships. Journal of Health and Social Behaviour. 41, 421436.
Danley, K., Hutchinson, D., Restrepo-Toro M., (2010). Career planning curriculum for people
with psychiatric disabilities. Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 1, 57-64.
The Center for Reintegration. Mental illness and the workplace. (2003). Retrieved January 18,
2014, from http://www.reintegration.com/reint/employment/potential.asp.
Schwartzberg, S. L., Howe, M. C., & Barnes, M. A. (2008). Groups: Applying the functional
group model. Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis Company.

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