Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported

Employment

Sarah SwansonDartmouth Psychiatric Research Center

PEPPNET Treatment Workgroup:Supported Education/Employment

November 6, 2015

Competitive Employment Rates in 22 Randomized Controlled Trials of IPS

Young Adults with Early Psychosis:

Review of Early Intervention Literature

Bond, Drake, & Luciano, 2014

8 Follow-up Studies of Early Intervention Programs Providing IPS

IPS Practice Principles 1: Every interested person is eligible

No exclusions due to:•Symptoms•Substance use •Missed appointments•Homelessness•Personal presentation•School problems•Job loss•Legal problems•Other factors

EngagementYoung people may change goals frequently—be

flexible and positive.

Offer options for career planning, as well as jobs that people can work now.

Consider including peer positions on the team.

Meet people where they like to spend time.

Focus on strengths and possibilities, not problems.

IPS Practice Principles2: Regular jobs and educational programs

• Jobs for which anyone can apply, regardless of disability status

• Wages are similar to non-disabled co-workers with similar experience and duties

• Job tenure depends on needs of employer and preferences of worker

• Can be part time or full time

Educational programs that are available to the general public, not those created for people with disabilities.

IPS Practice Principles3: Preferences are honored

Include Family Members in Employment/Education Plans

Family can be siblings, parents, good friends, AA sponsors, partners, or others identified as supports.

Plan the meeting in advance with the person. Ask what he would like to keep private, what he would like to gain from the meeting, etc.

Ask family members for ideas: What does she enjoy? What classes were her favorites? What lead to success in previous jobs (or in education)?

IPS Practice Principles4: Employment Services and Mental Health

Services are Integrated

• Weekly meetings using shared-decision making

• Shared office space

• Integrated records

• Team approach: all help with employment and education goals

Collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation

IPS Practice Principles5: Benefits Planning is Offered

Encourage People to Choose Careers

In the U.S., less than 3% of those who sign up for Social Security Disability benefits ever exit the benefits system.

A life on SSDI or SSI is generally a life of poverty, social isolation, and social stigma that can lead to poor health outcomes (e.g., lower life expectancy and poorer physical and emotional health status).

IPS Practice Principles6: The job search occurs rapidly

Typically within 30 days of meeting the IPS specialist, the specialist or job seeker has in-person contact with an employer (or visits an educational institution).

Rapid Job Search and Career Exploration

First in-person visits with employers can be for informational interviewing or to observe workers.

Visits to educational institutions may include meeting with advisors to learn about different degrees and certificates.

To keep a young person engaged, demonstrate that progress is being made toward her goals.

Systematic Relationship Building with Employers

and Educators7.IPS specialists meet in-person with employers to

learn about their business and workforce needs.

IPS specialists also visit educational and training programs to learn about degree and certificate programs. They speak with people from Student Services to learn about possible accommodations.

IPS Practice Principles 8: Job/educational supports are individualized and

continuous

More Information: www.dartmouthips.org

…including an online training program, training manuals, employment posters, demonstration DVDs, fidelity materials, and program tools, go to:

www.dartmouthips.org