Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
WHAT IS IPS?
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based employment and education program for adults living with mental illness or co-occurring conditions. IPS helps people find and keep meaningful jobs or continue their education based on their strengths, interests, and goals, with ongoing support.
IPS is:
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Open to adults age 18 and older
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Available to anyone who wants to work or go to school
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Based on your goals, strengths, and interests
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Connected to your mental health care team
There are no limits based on diagnosis, symptoms, or past work history.
IPS works closely with individuals, employers, and educators to match people with the right job or education opportunity and support long-term success, recovery, independence, and community connection.
Work History Prep
Before applying, ask yourself:
Will my previous employer give a good reference? Do I know my supervisor’s full name? Do I have their phone number or email?
Build good working relationships. They follow you to every new job.
THE 8 PRINCIPLES OF IPS
Competitive Employment
Systematic Job Development
Employment specialists regularly meet with employers selected by the job seeker’s interests to learn about their business needs and hiring preferences.
Rapid Job Search
IPS programs use a rapid job search approach to help job seekers obtain jobs rather than assessments, training, & counseling.
Integrated Services
IPS programs are integrated with mental health treatment teams. Employment specialists attach to 1 or 2 mental health
treatment teams, which discuss their caseload.
Benefits Planning
Employment specialists help people obtain personalized, understandable, and accurate information about their Social Security, Medicaid, and other government entitlements.
Zero Exclusion
People are not excluded on the basis of readiness, diagnoses, symptoms, substance use history, psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, level of disability, or legal system involvement.
Time-Unlimited Supports
Job supports are individualized and continue for as long as each worker wants and needs the support. Employment Specialist have face to face contact at least monthly.
Worker Preferences
IPS program services are based on each job seeker’s preferences and choices rather than the employment specialist’s and supervisor’s judgments.
HOW IPS CAN HELP YOU
Finding and Keeping a Job
IPS specialists can help you:
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Explore jobs that match your interests
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Apply and interview for jobs
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Start work quickly
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Get support after you are hired
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Understand how working may affect your benefits
Support continues as long as you want or need it.
Continuing Your Education
IPS also supports people who want to go back to school or job training. IPS specialists can help with:
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Exploring careers and education options
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Enrolling in school or training programs
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Staying on track while in school
- Academic accommodations
Proven and Evidence-Based
IPS is backed by years of research and proven results. Studies show that people who participate in IPS:
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Experience improvements in mental health
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Find jobs faster
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Work more hours
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Stay employed longer
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Are more likely to be working compared to other employment programs
IPS is one of the most effective employment models for people living with mental health challenges.
INTERESTED IN THE IPS PROGRAM?
If you are new to our services, IPS begins through Same Day Access. If you are already a client, talk with your therapist or counselor about joining IPS.
Same Day Access is available at 3101 N. Michigan Street in Pittsburg, Kansas. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Click here to learn more about Same Day Access.
For Employers and Educators
IPS partners with local employers and schools to support successful, long-term employment and education outcomes for individuals living with mental health challenges. The program is designed to meet both employer needs and employee goals.
Why Partner with IPS?
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No cost to your organization
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Candidates thoughtfully matched to your needs, skills, and work environment
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Support before hire, during onboarding, and after employment begins
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Assistance with problem-solving, accommodations, and communication when needed
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Ongoing support to improve retention and job satisfaction
IPS specialists work directly with both the employee and employer, serving as a consistent point of contact. Our team helps address concerns early, reduce turnover, and support a positive, productive workplace.
