IPS Fidelity Newsletter Vol 12

Our CES Webpage continues to be updated with resources and useful information for host agencies. Click the button above to see what is offered. Something you'd like to see that isn't there? Email me with your ideas -- my email as at the bottom of this newsletter.

Click the buttons below to access content:

"Earn while you learn!"

Did you know that Maine offers a variety of apprentice programs throughout the state coordinated by

Maine Department of Labor?

Apprenticeships can be a life-changing opportunity for people looking to upskill or find a new career. Many don't need the intensive services of an employment specialist -- they need to know their options and the resources

available to them.

Case managers and Care Coordinators are well-equipped to share these exciting opportunities to people served.

CLICK HERE

FMI

Simple Strengths-Based Engagement Activity for Mental Health Practitioners

to Learn about People

This Job Seeker Strengths Worksheet comes from IPS Wisconsin and is two pages. The first page (below) can cue someone up for continued exploration with an employment specialist.

(see page two in the link above)

Script to use with clients: "Use this diagram to talk about the things you care about, the things you know, and the things you can do. Think about hobbies, things in the community and at home, things at school and at work, and anything else you spend time doing."

Try this activity for yourself before using it with people you serve, and consider:

• Did you prefer to break it into chunks?
• How much time did you need for reflection?
• Did you engage a family member,

coworker or friend?

• When and how might you use this in your practice?

Learning opportunities:

FMI, click on the links

MHRT-C Domain 8 Training

5-part course beginning May 21, 2025

Benefits Navigator Training

June 3, 2025

IPS: Mental Illness and Recovery

$100/pp, on-line, seven-week course for tx teams

and families NEW COURSE!

IPS 101: Practice Principles

Free, 90 minute virtual webinars

Updated for 2025!

Case Manager Training:

Maine's Vision for Employment

5-6 hr training, virtual, at-your-own-pace, July 2025

IPS Non-Practitioners Course

$20/pp, 2-hour virtual course

My Living and Working with SMI...

Free, 1 hour virtual course

Five Stages in Recovery...

Free, 1 hour virtual course

Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals

Free, though there is a waitlist. See info in link.

What are examples of ways treatment team staff can support employment?

• Medication adjustments for side effects of symptoms.
• Discussions about the/a job.
• Assistance practicing social situations that occur at work.
• Discuss potential accommodations.
• Money management and budgeting.
• Celebrating accomplishments.
• Help with personal appearance including buying grooming supplies or setting up a laundry schedule.
• Support with shopping for, or preparing lunch for the workday.
• Connecting people to apprenticeships, training opportunities and/or Career Center.
• Discuss fears around employment.
• Assist with gathering I-9 documentation
• Solve transportation including access to driving courses and learning public transportation options and routes.
• Consistent, 90-day (minimum) opportunity to complete the Need for Change Self-Rating Scale.

NEW Pre-Apprenticeship Program!

Click HERE for this program designed for people curious about healthcare careers.



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.



For a deep dive into the IPS review process and materials, click the button below.