I am transitioning away from my current job into a different department so I am in a situation where I am having to disclose to the people that I support that I will be transitioning away.
I thought that I would take a few moments and provide some quick tips for your exit strategy:
- Talk over your exit strategy and “departure script” with your supervisor and team
- Write out and rehearse the essence of what it is you are trying to say
- Go over the history and needs of each participant with the other team members
- Plan each encounter and the timing of sharing this information with each participant
- Share as early & often as needed and express the continuity of care they’ll receive
- Arrange the number of meetings you feel that you and your team member should visit
- Explain the reasons for leaving in a way that they can understand without fear
- Explain that nothing in their world is changing now except your level of involvement
- Make sure each participant has the names & contact numbers of important people
- Keep everything on a positive and upbeat note and finish strong.
It is important if you are working with people with mental health challenges (or basically anyone in your life) that you have a transition plan in place to maintain trust, to minimize fear and to ensure a continuity of care once you have transitioned away.
It's all about finishing strong and making sure everyone is well-supported when the baton is passed.
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