The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of Supported Employment supports members living with significant behavioral health needs to find and maintain competitive employment in the community. Participation in IPS supports improved employment outcomes as well as improved self-esteem, independence, sense of belonging, and overall health and wellbeing.
Appropriate for: Adults who have serious mental illness (SMI) or substance use disorders (SUD) and who require assistance to attain or maintain competitive employment.
May not be appropriate for: Individuals who are not legally eligible for work in the United States.
Factors such as individual presentation, behavioral health symptoms, job readiness, or treatment engagement have no impact on the medical necessity for the service.
IPS helps individuals with competitive, integrated employment and may also be assisted with education or training that is related to a career goal. This model is a community-based service, highly individualized, and utilizes a team-based approach.
IPS model is characterized by the following principles:
IPS teams are typically composed of two employment specialists and an employment supervisor who supports up to five IPS teams.
A typical IPS team will support a caseload of 35–40 members. Any behavioral health practitioner may serve as an employment specialist if they are trained in the IPS model.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred for IPS specialists, and a bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred for IPS supervisors.
Continuing education credits are not provided, but trainers can share an agenda for each training along with learning objectives so that participants can apply for post approval to their licensing board(s).