Online Soft Skills Training for Mental Health Conditions

(iCareer Trial)

Overseen By Janice Oursler, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Disqualifiers: Neurological disease, Brain injury, Psychiatric instability, Alcohol dependence, Substance dependence, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 months

126 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test an online program that teaches job-related social skills to young people with mental health challenges. The program, called iCareer Soft Skills Training for Employment, combines skill-building with cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) to help improve job prospects. Participants will either use the online training or continue with their usual treatment. It suits those aged 16-24 who have been receiving disability services for mental health issues and want to boost their work-related social skills.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to enhance job-related social skills through innovative online training.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this online soft skills training is safe for individuals with mental health conditions?

Research shows that the iCareer Soft Skills Training for Employment is a safe program. Studies have found no evidence of physical harm, as it is an online training, not a medical procedure. The program focuses on improving soft skills using cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy. Participants usually find this method manageable, as it involves learning and practicing new skills rather than taking medication.

Although specific safety data isn't provided, the program's nature suggests minimal risk. Participants engage in online sessions similar to educational classes, distinguishing it from clinical trials that test new drugs or medical procedures. Conducted online, the training offers a convenient and low-risk way to participate. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the iCareer Soft Skills Training because it offers a fresh approach to supporting individuals with mental health conditions in their journey toward employment. Unlike traditional therapies that focus primarily on symptom management, this training emphasizes developing soft skills like communication and teamwork, which are crucial for workplace success. The program’s delivery via telehealth makes it accessible and convenient, breaking down barriers for those who might struggle to attend in-person sessions. This innovative approach not only aims to improve employment outcomes but also empowers participants with skills that can enhance their overall quality of life.

What evidence suggests that this iCareer Soft Skills Training is effective for improving employment outcomes in youth with mental health conditions?

Research has shown that the iCareer soft skills training, which participants in this trial may receive, yields promising results for young adults with mental health conditions. In earlier studies, participants reported significant improvements in understanding social situations, interacting with others, and feeling confident in social settings. These skills are crucial for obtaining and maintaining employment. The program combines career training with cognitive behavioral therapy to help young people prepare for work and adulthood. This suggests that iCareer could help young people with mental health challenges succeed in their jobs. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Weili Lu, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rutgers University, School of Health Professions

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young people aged 16-24 with mental health conditions who want to improve their job-related social skills. They must speak English, have been part of a special education program or received disability services recently, and not have had recent hospitalizations or suicide attempts.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 16 and 24 years old.

Interested in improving work-related social skills

I am willing to give my consent, or if under 18, I have parental consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Psychiatric instability such as gross psychosis or acute suicidality

Current alcohol or substance dependence

Hospitalization or suicide attempts in the past 2 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the Soft Skills Training Intervention via telehealth

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for employment outcomes and mental health improvements

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• iCareer Soft Skills Training for Employment

Trial Overview The study tests an online soft-skills training program called iCareer, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy elements. It aims to help these youths get better at finding and keeping jobs as they move into adulthood.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Treatment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Soft Skills Training Intervention via telehealth

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Treatment as Usual (TAU)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A 48-hour training series for supervisory and direct care staff in supported housing settings significantly improved their knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles, as shown by pre- and posttest results.

The study supports the effectiveness of work-based learning approaches in enhancing the skills and knowledge of staff involved in psychiatric rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Psychiatric Rehabilitation Knowledge in a Supported Housing Setting: Pre- and Posttest Analysis. Zazzarino, A., Reilly, A., Clay, Z.[2019]

The Job Interview Training System with Molly Porter significantly improved interview skills and confidence among 96 unemployed adults with serious mental illnesses, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD, as demonstrated in a randomized control trial.

Participants using the training system scored better in role-play interviews and reported higher self-assessment scores compared to a control group, suggesting that this innovative approach could help reduce unemployment duration for individuals with mental health challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Simulated job interview improves skills for adults with serious mental illnesses. Humm, LB., Olsen, D., Be, M., et al.[2021]

The STORM training initiative, implemented over 6 months in three mental health services, was found to be feasible and acceptable, leading to positive changes in attitudes and confidence among 458 staff members regarding suicide risk management.

While the training did not replicate previous findings of skill acquisition, qualitative interviews indicated that it positively impacted clinical practice, especially for less experienced staff, highlighting the need for ongoing support and supervision to reinforce these skills in the workplace.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating STORM skills training for managing people at risk of suicide. Gask, L., Dixon, C., Morriss, R., et al.[2022]

A blended social skills training (SST) program, combining face-to-face sessions and online modules, was found to be feasible in an inpatient psychiatric setting, with 100% of participants recommending it to others.

While the training showed a non-significant medium-sized effect on improving social skills (Cohen's d = 0.5), the study highlights the need for more research on blended care approaches in psychiatric settings, given the limited existing evidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blended Care in In-Patient Acute Psychiatric Care. The Example of a Group Training for Social Competences in Adults-A Pretest-Posttest Feasibility Study. Bendig, E., Küchler, AM., Baumeister, H., et al.[2021]

After eight months of interactive staff training involving 35 staff members in psychiatric residential programs, there was a significant improvement in attitudes towards behavioral interventions for clients with severe mental illness.

The training also led to increased perceptions of collegial support among staff and reduced emotional exhaustion among direct care staff, suggesting that such training can enhance the implementation of behavioral strategies in mental health settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Staff training to improve implementation and impact of behavioral rehabilitation programs. Corrigan, PW., McCracken, SG., Edwards, M., et al.[2006]

Individual placement and support (IPS) services significantly help individuals with serious mental illness secure jobs in the competitive sector, leading to increased work hours and higher income compared to traditional vocational rehabilitation methods.

The introduction of a workplace fundamental skills module, designed to enhance job retention by teaching essential social and workplace skills, is being evaluated for its effectiveness in improving job tenure alongside IPS services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supplementing supported employment with workplace skills training. Wallace, CJ., Tauber, R.[2019]

The HeadCoach online training program significantly increased managers' confidence and improved their responsive and preventive behaviors related to mental health in the workplace, based on a cluster randomized controlled trial with 210 managers.

While the training showed positive effects on managerial practices, it did not lead to a measurable change in the psychological distress of the direct reports, indicating that further research is needed to assess the broader impact on employee well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate HeadCoach: An Online Mental Health Training Program for Workplace Managers. Gayed, A., Bryan, BT., LaMontagne, AD., et al.[2020]

The WorkplaceAid study involving 608 Australian public servants found that both eLearning and blended Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses significantly improved knowledge and reduced stigma related to depression and PTSD compared to a control course.

While the blended MHFA course showed slightly better satisfaction ratings and perceived usefulness, both training formats were similarly effective in enhancing participants' confidence and intentions to help individuals with mental health issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of eLearning and blended modes of delivery of Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace: randomised controlled trial. Reavley, NJ., Morgan, AJ., Fischer, JA., et al.[2020]

The webinar intervention, which combined cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with technology, was feasible and well-received, with 82% of participants completing all sessions and showing positive improvements in depression levels after the program.

Statistical analysis indicated a significant reduction in depression symptoms, with a moderate effect size (Hedge g = 0.522) at one-month follow-up, suggesting that this approach could be an effective way to support employees dealing with depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the Feasibility of an Innovative Self-Confidence Webinar Intervention for Depression in the Workplace: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Wan Mohd Yunus, WMA., Musiat, P., Brown, JS.[2023]

A survey of 18 UK Clinical Psychology Doctoral training programs revealed that while there is a strong recognition of the importance of digital mental health competencies, these skills are not being adequately integrated into training or clinical placements.

The study identified key barriers to developing digital skills, including the need for practice guidelines and more opportunities for hands-on digital mental health experience, highlighting the necessity for a structured competence framework in the curriculum.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Workforce challenges in digital health implementation: How are clinical psychology training programmes developing digital competences? Pote, H., Rees, A., Holloway-Biddle, C., et al.[2022]

The workforce development program effectively improved the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of individuals with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders, enhancing their employability in the behavioral health system.

Participants' self-assessments of their improvements were corroborated by supervisor ratings three months into their employment, indicating the program's efficacy in preparing trainees for the workforce.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of the constructs, curriculum and training data from a workforce development program for recovery support specialists. Stoneking, BC., McGuffin, BA.[2019]

Social skills training is an effective strategy for improving the social competence of patients with schizophrenia and other major mental disorders, helping to reduce relapses and enhance psychosocial functioning.

Training models, such as the 'basic' model with role playing and feedback, and the 'problem-solving' model that focuses on processing social messages, are essential components of a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes ongoing support and appropriate medication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training skills in the psychiatrically disabled: learning coping and competence. Liberman, RP., Mueser, KT., Wallace, CJ., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. sites.rutgers.edu sites.rutgers.edu/icareer/

Internet Assisted Career-Oriented Soft-Skills Training Our aim is to help TAY and young adults with mental health conditions achieve optimal employment outcomes as part of successful transition to adulthood.

2. sites.rutgers.edu sites.rutgers.edu/icareer/publications/

Publications - Internet Assisted Career-Oriented Soft-Skills ... This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of an employment-related small group soft skill development program (“Soft Skills at Work”) for young ...

3. go.boarddocs.com go.boarddocs.com/nj/gcit/Board.nsf/files/DCRNKG604DB9/$file/Letter%20of%20Support%20site%20at%20GCSSSD%20with%20Rutgers.pdf

Untitled - BoardDocs Study Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-assisted Career-Oriented Work-Related Soft-skills Training (iCareer).

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30879257/

Psychosocial Effects of Soft Skills Training for Young Adults ... Results indicate statistically significant improvements in social cognition, social function, and social confidence. Furthermore, participants (n = 26) reported ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/372887896_Employment-Related_Soft_Skills_Training_for_Young_Adults_with_Disabilities

Employment-Related Soft Skills Training for Young Adults ... This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of an employment-related small group soft skill development program (“Soft Skills at Work”) for young ...

6. commcorp.org commcorp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/resources_eyf-career-readiness-curriculum-guide.pdf

resources_eyf-career-readiness-curriculum-guide.pdf Empower Your Future is a life skills, career development and employability curriculum guide developed for use by program staff taking part in the.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12557917/

Impact of a multifaceted continuing education program on ... Completing advanced specialized programs can expand career opportunities beyond traditional clinical areas and improve job satisfaction [17].

8. facebook.com facebook.com/groups/icareer.world/posts/2274512616116435/

SCHMITT & ORLOV IPR is a leading intellectual property ... Experience & Skills: · Careful, proactive, committed to deadlines and results-driven · Hard-working, supportive as a team player · Strong ...