Work-Related Interview Skills Training for Persons with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT Persons with substance use disorders (SUDs) experience high unemployment rates that can increase relapse risk. Research on employment counseling for this population is lacking. This study examined a direct skills teaching (DST) approach to improve job interview preparedness. Graduate internship students at mental health and rehabilitation agency sites in the Northeast provided “Presenting Qualifications”, a brief, DST-based, group curriculum to 55 participants with SUDs in 15 different groups. At post-intervention, participants reported increased confidence and knowledge with aspects of presenting oneself during a job interview. This approach can potentially help this population achieve better employment outcomes through a group intervention.