According to the Mental Health Foundation, unemployment increases the risk of developing mental health problems and is associated with increased rates of depression and suicide, as well as higher use of health services and hospital admission.
However, for those with mental health problems, being employed can be an important step to recovery, improving self-esteem and confidence and reducing psychological distress, suggesting employment is therefore vital for maintaining good mental health and promoting recovery from mental health problems.
Though unemployment and loss of a job can be stressful, life-altering scenarios, there are options to seek help through Supported Employment programs, like the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program here at RiverValley Behavioral Health.
What is Individual Placement and Support (IPS)? IPS is a model of supported employment. It is an evidence-based practice in which Employment Specialists help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities find, secure, and maintain competitive jobs alongside other members of their community.
RVBH has a dedicated IPS team focused on doing just that! Our team will get to know you and learn about your work preferences. We start the job search process as soon as you enter our program through our trusted partnership with nearly 50 local employers, which includes Burlington Stores, Red Lobster, and Advanced Auto Parts, who are willing to hire adult clients with unique emotional and intellectual needs.
While we help clients find a job in the community based on their preferences, skills, and interests, we also help them build their resumes, prepare for job interviews, and assist with benefits counseling to ensure clients understand how to navigate and maintain benefits packages.
Our supports are continuous and accessible even after clients are placed with a job. Our IPS team provides individualized support to help clients maintain employment and assist with any questions or concerns throughout their employment.
Ultimately, according to Health Affairs, evidence-based strategies that expand the mental health workforce and integrate mental health supports into employment and training settings – such as IPS – may be promising ways to help workers as they navigate persistent changes to workforce demands, especially amidst COVID-19.
Our team has helped numerous clients achieve and maintain employment in the community. We are so proud of the individuals we support! Read below to see how the IPS program worked for Sam.
I was introduced to the employment program in 2021. Before starting the program, I was worried about finding a job and was feeling hopeless. My Employment Specialist at RiverValley helped me find a job and develop new skills. Now I feel more confident and like I am making a difference when I go to work.
Sam, IPS Client
For more information about IPS and other employment supports offered by RVBH, please call 270-689-6637 or email [email protected].
Ronda Brooks, Supportive Employment & IPS Supervisor
Published on June 7, 2022