What is unit work?
- Unit work in a Clubhouse is the daily work that helps run the Clubhouse itself. It’s organized into different departments, called units, such as hospitality, clerical, maintenance, wellness, or employment. Each unit focuses on a specific area of operation, and members choose where they’d like to contribute based on their interests and goals.
The work is always done side by side with staff, not under supervision. It’s not paid, but it’s voluntary, meaningful, and considered an essential part of recovery. Members might help cook and serve meals in the kitchen, answer phones and handle data entry in the office, clean and maintain the building, or organize wellness and fitness activities.
Unit work gives members a chance to build skills, find purpose, and be part of a team. It brings structure to the day and creates opportunities to reconnect socially and gain confidence—all in a supportive, stigma-free environment.
Admin Unit
The Administrative Unit is often the heart of the Clubhouse's behind-the-scenes work. Members and staff work together on tasks like answering phones, greeting visitors, managing attendance records, entering data, updating goals, and preparing meeting notes or reports. This unit might also be responsible for helping organize events, coordinating schedules, and keeping communication flowing throughout the Clubhouse. It's a great place for members who enjoy clerical work, want to build office skills, or like being involved in the day-to-day operations of the Clubhouse.
The Unit focuses on welcoming new members and supporting ongoing engagement within the Clubhouse community. Members in this unit help with orientation for newcomers, give tours, assist with intake paperwork, and help other members stay connected and involved. This unit is perfect for people who are outgoing, caring, and interested in helping others feel included and supported.
Culinary & Care Unit
The Culinary & Care Unit is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals to the Clubhouse community. Members work alongside staff to create menus, shop for groceries, cook, set up the dining area, and handle cleanup. It’s a hands-on, team-oriented unit that helps members build kitchen skills, practice food safety, and contribute directly to the daily routine of the Clubhouse.
The Unit focuses on keeping members connected and engaged. This unit reaches out to members who haven’t been in for a while through phone calls, texts, or letters. They also help welcome new members, organize social events, and build a sense of community. It’s a great unit for people who enjoy connecting with others and helping everyone feel like they belong.
The Unit supports members in preparing for, finding, and maintaining jobs in the community. Members help update job boards, assist with resume writing and interview practice, and work with staff to coordinate transitional and supported employment placements. It’s a motivating space for those looking to re-enter the workforce or support others on their employment journey.
The Unit also creates the Clubhouse’s regular newsletter, which keeps members informed about upcoming events, success stories, unit updates, and creative contributions. Members write articles, edit content, design layouts, and distribute the final product. This unit is a creative and collaborative space, ideal for those interested in writing, design, or communications.