Individual Placement and Support: Connecting people to jobs

Helping those with mental health challenges find and keep jobs

Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental health condition. But that does not have to stop them from seeking employment. 

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a game changer in that it helps these individuals find and keep jobs. 
“We provide them with a pathway to achieve their goals and strengthen their recovery and health through employment,” says Keith Schroeder, supervisor IPS and community coordinator with Goodwill. “This helps improve their self-worth, which also boosts the community.” 

Goodwill works with Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive Community Services Program to operate IPS services in Milwaukee County. IPS is an evidence-based approach that assists individuals with mental health and/or substance use conditions who are working toward a job goal with educational support and in finding and keeping jobs.  

In 2023, Goodwill's Individual Placement and Support program served 250 people and helped 104 find jobs.

IPS builds plans to help individuals based on their job goals, experiences, personal skills, abilities and barriers to employment. The program provides job development, job advocacy, mock interviews, job shadowing and on-the-job support and training. What sets IPS apart is the services continue as long as the person wants and needs support. 

“We work with our participants until they no longer need our support – many times for years,” Schroeder says. “We are also integrated into their treatment teams and collaborate with them to strengthen participants’ whole recovery through our employment services.”

IPS plans are tailored to each participant. For example, if their goal is to work in a factory, IPS creates a specific 
plan that helps the participant succeed. IPS also works with individuals who have been out of the workforce for several years or are currently working and would like to switch careers or seek a better job. 

“We meet them at their level and build the foundation for what they need to reach their goal,” Schroeder says. “We also find resources in the community to help them along the path of their goal.”

In September 2023, the IPS team won several state-level awards for delivering high-quality services and results.

The eight principles of Individual Placement and Support

1. Every person who wants to work is eligible for IPS (zero exclusion)
2. Competitive jobs are the goal
3. IPS services are integrated with mental health treatment
4. Personalized benefit planning is provided
5. The job search starts soon after a person expresses interest in working
   
6. Employment specialists build relationships with employers based upon their clients’ work preferences
7. Services continue as long as the person wants or needs support
   
8. A focus on each client’s desires and wishes

Learn about Individual Placement and Support