Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and community mental health centers continue to highlight the significant role of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – Supported Employment, with the third testimonial video showcasing the stability and emotional well-being that comes with supported and lasting employment.

The objective of IPS is to support individuals living with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder, to lead a balanced and rewarding life and enhance the likelihood for long term recovery. Individuals in the IPS program receive holistic support, meaning they learn how to manage their personal and work life, while developing coping skills in the work environment.

ADMH’s third IPS video describes the connection and positive impact of improving the lives of both the individual and employer. The video can be viewed here, on the ADMH YouTube channel. “We have found that when we look at everyone individually and their challenges, because we’ve all got challenges, we are able to identify where we can work with them (employees) and retain people who would otherwise really not have a very good opportunity at a future, not just a job but at something they can work on and do better [at their job] and maybe make it their entire career,” explained Cindy Porter, Medical Manager for the Shelby Humane Shelter.

The IPS program in Alabama to date has assisted 206 individuals find and/or retain rewarding employment. Many individuals have noted an improvement in their self-esteem, new friendships and increased structure and routines.

“I love my job because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I love animals and I get to see them every day,” said Priscilla Chapman, Kennel Technician, Shelby Humane Shelter. “I don’t consider what I do as something simple, but I feel as though I make a difference helping out, and I love the people that I work with.”

Through IPS services, specialists and employers help individuals realize their strengths, goals, and preferences rather than focusing on problems. IPS provides long-term support while integrating vocational and mental health services to help individuals continue steady employment for years to come. In fact, 10-year follow-up studies show that about half the people who receive IPS services are employees 10 years later 1.

IPS Teams are located in three areas of our state. Participating providers include the following:

To learn more about the ADMH IPS-Supported Employment Program, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/individual-placement-and-support/ or contact Denise Bern, IPS Trainer and Coordinator at 334-353-0006 or denise.bern@mh.alabama.gov. To be connected in your area, please contact one of the three community mental health centers offering the program.

To learn more about the IPS, visit the IPS Employment Center at https://ipsworks.org/

To learn more about Employment statewide, visit AlabamaWorks! at https://alabamaworks.com

 

 

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Individual Placement and Support – Long-term Support in the Community