Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

What is IPS?

People with mental illness can get help finding and keeping a job through the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program. Program participants have an opportunity to work with a team of professionals to maximize the possibility of employment success, including:

• Vocational rehabilitation counselors
• Employment services providers
• Mental health treatment services providers.

All three bring different resources and expertise to the table to help a person find a job that matches their interests and skills. The team approach provides people the opportunity to not only find a job but to also be successful in their job.

As a result:

• IPS is three times more effective than other vocational approaches in helping people with mental illness find work.
• People who obtain competitive employment through IPS have been shown to have increased income, improved self-esteem, improved quality of life and reduced symptoms.

Can IPS help me?

If you or a family member are interested IPS, first talk with a mental health service provider. A provider can help determine if IPS is right for you or the family member, and make a referral to the correct program.

We have a list of Minnesota Individual Placement and Support programs. Unfortunately, Individual Placement and Support  is not available all parts of Minnesota.

Individual Placement and Support programs (PDF)

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive IPS supports an individual must:

• Be referred by a mental health provider
• Have a serious mental illness

What you can expect from IPS

Programs that offer IPS have employment specialists who serve as a member of a mental health treatment team. They can offer employment services and support services.

Employment services are provided to people when they are looking for a job. Such services might include:

• Helping with the job search
• Finding job openings
• Contacting potential employers
• Filling out applications
• Preparing for job interviews
• Coordinating employment services with mental health treatment providers

Support services are provided after the person has a job. Such services might include:

• Help with job accommodations
• Strategies for potential mental health symptoms on the job
• Planning for how new income might affect public benefits (such as Social Security, Medical Assistance or housing subsidies)
• Providing on-site job training or off-site face to-face job coaching
• Offering direct support to employers