Neoliberalism: Unpacking Limited Employment Success for Persons with SMI.

BACKGROUND.: A mixed-methods case study exploring access to competitive employment for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) revealed limited access to work and low employment success across two northern communities.

PURPOSE.: To explore possible explanations for why low employment rates persist despite existing employment services and supports.

METHODS.: A total of 46 individual or group interviews were conducted with persons with SMI, vocational providers, and decision-makers regarding access to competitive employment in the case communities. Data were systematically analysed for dominant ideas, interests and institutions using a neo-institutional framework.

FINDINGS.: Participants described access to employment to be constrained by provider competition, limited supports, and a lack of consideration of difference-ideas and interests associated with neoliberal influences within provincial employment supports policy.

IMPLICATIONS.: Enabling participation in meaningful employment for people with SMI will require occupational therapists to appreciate and contest the oppressive nature of neoliberal policies on local programs and services.