Recovery Through Work

The Johnson & Johnson-Dartmouth Community Mental Health Program and the Illinois Family Involvement initiative support Illinois' Individual Placement and Support project as part of a multi-state family led effort.

The Illinois initiative was established to educate families of people with mental illnesses about this evidence-based, high quality program and inspire them to advocate for creation, expansion, and improved access.

Our goal is to empower and support individuals with mental illnesses in attaining and maintaining sustained competitive employment with as much or as little support as needed.

Supported Employment: Individual Placement

An evidenced-based approach to helping people with mental illnesses attain and maintain employment.

Core Principles of IPS Supported Employment

Research has helped to identify the core principles of Evidence-Based Supported Employment.

These principles include:

	Helping people diagnosed with severe mental illness find competitive jobs in the community that fit their individual needs and interests.
	Fully integrating Mental Health Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
	Creating easy access to employment services when a consumer expresses an interest in employment; consumers are not required to complete work readiness or other vocational assessments before seeking employment in the community.
	Providing employment services to all consumers interested in employment.
	Designing goals and plans that are based on each individual's preferences, strengths, abilities, and experiences.
	Providing employment supports that are individualized, flexible, and available for as long as necessary.
	Assisting consumers and family members with benefits counseling.

The Alliance between VR and IPS: The Best Plan for Job Seekers

When state vocational rehabilitation (VR) partners with Individual Placement and Support, people living with mental illness are more likely to find jobs. Read more.

Families & Supported Employment
What Family Members are Saying

“I feel that employment is critical to help my son cope better in society. Next to a cure for his illness, work has as much impact as anything.”

“My son has been working for about four years. I see improvement in mixing with people and I see some independence. Best of all, he is earning money to spend as he pleases.”

“Since starting a job, my family member has blossomed! Of course, the money is nice, but even nicer are the compliments she gets from her boss and the friendships she has developed. Those are priceless.”

“My family member’s whole deportment changes when he is working; he is more positive, easier to talk with, and more confident. He just glows!”

“When our son works it improves his life purpose, self image, and gives him a positive demeanor.”

“SE has been a fabulous program for my family member. Without these supports i could see him losing this job more than once. Having someone advocate for him has been very helpful.”

“I’m happy to promote work programs because my daughter has gained so much from hers. Thank you for promoting work for people with mental illness.”

Family to Family Class 11
This lesson for class 11 was developed by NAMI Illinois and has been incorporated as an example of a family advocacy initiative.
IPS Supported Employment Principles

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For more information about Supported Employment: Individual Placement and Support including an online training program, training manuals, posters, DVDs, fidelity materials and program tools, visit http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ips