Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
Model of Supported Employment
We believe employment is an essential component of recovery for many people with mental illness and offer Individual Placement and Support (IPS), an evidence based practice approach to vocational rehabilitation for people with severe mental illness. This model has consistently proven to be more effective than traditional approaches in helping people achieve and maintain employment.
The core IPS principles are as follows:
- Eligibility is based on consumer choice. No one is excluded who wants to participate.
- Supported employment is integrated with treatment. Employment specialists coordinate plans with the treatment team: the case manager, therapist, psychiatrist, etc.
- Competitive employment is the goal. The focus is community jobs anyone can apply for that pay at least minimum wage, including part-time and full-time jobs.
- Job search starts soon after a consumer expresses interest in working. There are no requirements for completing extensive pre-employment assessment and training, or intermediate work experiences (like prevocational work units, transitional employment, or sheltered workshops).
- Follow-along supports are continuous. Individualized supports to maintain employment continue as long as consumers want the assistance.
- Consumer preferences are important. Choices and decisions about work and support are individualized based on the person's preferences, strengths, and experiences.
- Benefits counseling is part of the employment decision-making process. Personalized benefits planning and guidance help consumers to make informed decisions about job starts and changes.
Our outcomes demonstrate superior competitive employment outcomes as compared to traditional employment programs. The IPS teams, consisting of staff from both the mental health center and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, rapidly find the best job that meets the clients’ wants and experiences, and provide unlimited support. People who are employed through this program report greater satisfaction, hope and independence.