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MaineHealth

Vocational Services

Community Employment Services project


 IPS Fidelity Newsletter Vol. 10


As we return from Thanksgiving and the holiday season begins, the CES Project team extends its heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your commitment to continued learning in the evidence-based practice of 

Individualized Placement and Support (IPS). 


Your active participation and collaboration are critical to the project’s success; together we are creating an environment that fosters learning and growth and supports successful client outcomes. 

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey!

 

Wishing you all a joyous and warm holiday season,

 

Jennifer Kimble, Director 

MaineHealth Vocational Services

CES Webpage

What is Individualized Placement and Support?


Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a model of supported employment for people with serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar, depression).


 IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work at regular jobs of their choosing.


Although variations of supported employment exist, IPS refers to the evidence-based practice of supported employment. 

IPS is guided by eight core principles

and a 25-point fidelity scale.


Mainstream education and technical training are included as ways to advance career paths


IPS is the most researched model of supported employment and has been implemented in 26 states and seven countries.


CLICK the button below to access a printable sheet

Helping Individuals Consider Employment

Corbin's first job!


Corbin is a man in his early 20’s diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. His Need for Change scale indicated he had a strong need to change his unemployment status and wanted to engage with the Employment Specialist (ES). Corbin had no previous work experience, but while in high school had previously helped his grandfather with landscaping work. The ES talked with him about his work goals of personal growth, productivity, and socialization, and his worries about interpersonal communication and navigating social situations at work. They talked about ideas for a good first job experience, culminating in Corbin obtaining a part-time seasonal position.


Corbin reached out to the ES for assistance a few months into his new role, regarding communication around scheduling, and a miscommunication with a co-worker. The ES worked with the employer and Corbin’s supports to problem solve and resolve these issues. The ES worked with Corbin to develop natural supports on the job with the HR person who has been extremely supportive and responsive to his needs. Over the last few months, Corbin’s independence at work has continued to develop, and he told the ES that he was not in need of continued support around communication at this time.


Corbin stated he feels that natural supports have been developed and that he is comfortable addressing issues that come up directly with his supervisor and HR rep. 




Here is a wellness activity booklet for case managers and other staff to guide people toward healthy habits.

Click here for access.



IPS 101: Practice Principles

Free, 90 minutes (Only one webinar left!)


IPS Non-Practitioners Course

$20/pp, 2-hour course


My Living and Working with SMI...

Free, 1 hour course


Five Stages in Recovery...

Free, 1 hour course


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"It is nearly impossible to make your own future when you are not part of the economic fabric of the culture you live in."



-Patricia Deegan

20th World Congress Rehab International: Oslo, Norway

June 2004


Welcome to the MaineHealth Vocational Services, Community Employment Services newsletter. This newsletter will be distributed quarterly and will provide resources and information pertaining to the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment for people living with psychiatric disability. The purpose is to educate stakeholders on how to adapt their agencies to reach and maintain high fidelity to the model. The secondary purpose of this newsletter is to inform stakeholders of valuable employment-related resources in order to enculturate vocational conversations within mental health agencies and with the people served by those agencies.


Disability Employment has been a focus of MaineHealth's Vocational Services for over 40 years. We serve both job seekers and businesses, while also offering vocational rehabilitation services through ACT teams and mental health agencies. The DVS mission is to bridge the gap between employment and people with disabilities.


The most recent iteration of the CES grant (2022) introduces the IPS Fidelity Scale, the role of IPS Trainer and Liaison, and technical assistance and training to agencies as they learn to implement the principles and evidence-based practices of IPS. DVS would like to recognize our partnership with DHHS Employment and Workforce Development, and DOL Vocational Rehabilitation for their work in making this grant possible.


To reach Nancy Litrocapes, IPS Trainer and Liaison, please email: nancy.litrocapes@mainehealth.org.