Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) has expanded its Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program, a supported employment initiative that assists individuals with serious mental illness in obtaining and maintaining employment. IPS studies indicate that approximately two out of every three individuals with mental illness are interested in competitive employment, but only one in 10 are currently employed.
IPS in Alabama was first introduced in 2014 at three locations: Central Alabama Wellness, AltaPointe Health, and Carastar Health. The expansion extends IPS services to Indian Rivers Behavioral Health in Tuscaloosa and JBS Mental Health Authority in Birmingham.
The Alabama IPS – Supported Employment program utilizes a team approach. They provide resources and services for long term support of sustained employment. Each team consists of five positions that includes three employment specialists trained in the IPS supported employment curriculum, a certified peer support specialist, and a benefits specialist certified as a Work Incentives Practitioner through Cornell University.
“Work is one of the most meaningful things we can do for individuals with mental illness to encourage and assist in the journey of recovery. The IPS program is changing lives by helping individuals with mental illness find jobs and the specific resources they need,” said ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell.
A part of the program’s success is a partnership between ADMH and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). ADRS works alongside ADMH in helping to provide funding and vital resources such as transportation vouchers, work attire, and equipment helping to remove barriers to employment for program participants.
“When agencies combine their efforts for the sake of the citizens we serve, the results can be profound,” said ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw. “ADRS values our partnership with ADMH and is proud to assist with the expansion of the Individual Placement and Support model, already proving to be a successful employment connector for Alabamians with serious mental illness. The program’s integrated, multi-disciplinary approach links participants to our Vocational Rehabilitation Division, readying individuals for competitive, integrated employment.”
Individuals who obtain employment through supported employment services have increased income, improved self-esteem, improved quality of life, reduced symptoms and reduced mental health service utilization. The IPS program’s expansion highlights Alabama’s commitment to supporting individuals with serious mental health illnesses in reaching their employment goals and to create success pathways for participants.
Watch IPS in action in a three-part video series: The Program, Martha’s Place, Shelby Co. Humane Shelter.
The expansion is funded by the five-year SAMHSA grant “Transforming Lives through Supported Employment” program. To learn more about IPS in Alabama, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/individual-placement-and-support/.
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