Individual Placement & Support
Assisting you in your employment journey
Pawnee’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based practice zero exclusion program, designated to helping individuals who have a mental health diagnosis explore and keep competitive
employment.
Why is employment beneficial to those with a mental health diagnosis?
According to research, most people with a mental health diagnosis want to work. It has been discovered that working not only gives people a more stable financial standing, but it also gives people a sense of
accomplishment, hope for the future and a better connection to their community.
What makes this employment program so special?
The IPS staff have specific tools available as well as knowledge of community resources needed to assist the individual in finding the specific career of their choice.
From the first initial visit with the specialist, the consumer will be supported every step of the way. In addition, your dedicated specialist can help you identify what schooling or training might be beneficial to
your success.
The 8 Principles of IPS
1. Competitive Employment
Jobs anyone can apply for, pay at least minimum wage/same pay as coworkers with similar duties, and
have no artificial time limits imposed by the social service agency.
2. Systematic Job Development
Employment specialists systematically visit employers, who are selected based on the job seeker’s
preferences, to learn about their business needs and hiring preferences.
3. Rapid Job Search
IPS programs use a rapid job search approach to help job seekers obtain jobs rather than assessments,
training, & counseling. The first face to face contact with the employer occurs within 30 days.
4. 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.
5. Benefits Planning
Employment specialists help people obtain personalized, understandable, and accurate information about their Social Security, Medicaid, and other government entitlements.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Worker Preferences:
IPS program services are based on each job seeker’s preferences and choices rather than the employment
specialist’s and supervisor’s judgements.
To access the IPS Program
Schedule an intake assessment, by calling your local Pawnee office and let the admissions
staff know that an intake is needed. Or send an email including your phone number to Admissions@pawnee.org.
