What is Individual Placement and Supports?

IPS is an evidence-based approach to Supported Employment that focuses on competitive integrated employment for individuals with chronic mental illness. IPS staff work closely with job seekers, their family, mental health treatment team, and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), to ensure rapid job search and placement, in a workplace of the job seeker's choosing that best aligns with their strengths, wants, needs, and career goals.

 

IPS has eight core practice principles:

1. Focus on Competitive Employment: Agencies providing IPS services are committed to competitive employment as an attainable goal for people with behavioral health conditions seeking employment.

2. Eligibility Based on Client Choice: People are not excluded based on readiness, diagnosis, symptoms, substance use history, psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, level of disability, or legal system involvement.

3. Integration of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services: IPS programs are closely integrated with behavioral health treatment teams.

4. Attention to Worker Preferences: Services are based on each person's preferences and choices, rather than providers' beliefs or judgements.

5. Personalized Benefits Counseling: Employment specialists and IVRS counselors help people obtain personalized, understandable, and accurate information about their Social Security, Medicaid, and other government entitlements.

6. Rapid Job Search: IPS programs use a rapid job search approach to help job seekers obtain jobs directly, rather than providing a lengthy pre-employment assessment, training, and counseling. If further education is part of their plan, IPS specialists assist in these activities as needed.

7. Systematic Job Development: Employment specialists systematically visit employers, who are selected based on job seekers preferences, to learn about their business needs and hiring preferences.

8. Time-Unlimited and Individualized Support: Job supports are individualized and continues for as long as each worker wants and needs the support.

Services:

​IPS Services Include:

• Individualized Benefits Planning

• Job Development/Placement

• Individualized Job Support Plans and Continued Job Supports

• Career Development

• Supported Education That Aligns With Job Seeker's Career Goal

Inquiring and Referrals:

Inquiring about IPS is simple, choose from one of the following options:

• Call 641-790-1221 for more information or for help with applying.

• Download and fill out the form here then send to:

  • ​ ips@firstresources.us

• Ask your provider to make the referral.

 

After the referral is submitted:

​Once a referral is received, IPS staff will contact the client within one business day to discuss IPS services and if they are the right fit for the client. IPS staff will then schedule a face-to-face meeting with the client to begin services.