A Pilot Study of Introductory Motivational Interviewing Training for Supported Employment Case Managers

Purpose: To conduct an initial pilot study to determine if introductory motivational interviewing will lead to initial knowledge and attitudinal shifts within case-managers who work in an employment focused setting. Method: Using a pre-post design, 20 participants attending an introductory MI training filled out a questionnaire meant to assess an individual’s general knowledge of motivational interviewing and an individual’s attitudes about how to work with individuals attempting to gain employment. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in motivational interviewing knowledge and attitude shifts about how to work with individuals attempting employment. Conclusion: Introductory MI training may be an important initial step in an overall implementation effort to integrate motivational interviewing in employment rehabilitation contexts. In other words, initial training may open the door for the more in-depth skill building efforts required to adequately build and sustain counselor skills in MI by helping counselors first shift their attitudes about how they work with individuals seeking employment.