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IPS Supported Employment

What participants are saying about IPS Supported Employment:

“I am thrilled with the help I’ve been given by my specialist; it has made a huge impact in my life”(unknown – reported by fidelity reviewer)
“This program is the best thing out there to help get you on your feet and feeling better, I would recommend the program to anyone who needed help” (unknown – reported by fidelity reviewer)
“Finding a job I love makes my reasons for staying sober bigger than my reasons to use” (Leanna)
“I think everyone I work with in IPS is awesome and I really enjoy the support and help I get” (R.T.)
The stress of not being able to get a job was becoming overwhelming and at times I would begin planning to end my life. “They (IPS Supported Employment team) saved my life” (Mr. Mike)
“The assistance on every single step of the process and the introduction of options that I didn’t even know were available have been some of the most beneficial parts of the IPS Supported Employment program for me” (Daniel)
“It has restored my confidence, which gives me the belief that I can actually see a future rather than meandering with whatever I could come up with and take what I could get” (Daniel)
“IPS taught me how to complete job applications and get my foot in the door. They helped me to keep trying for myself and be accountable. IPS gave me a reason to show up for work and for appointments. They have been a good emotional support throughout the process.” (Samantha)
“I hope the program helps other people as much as it’s helped me. It really makes a difference when people are proud of you.” (Jeremiah)

IPS Supported Employment Success Stories!

"Samantha"
Samantha had found herself in a situation where she began feeling hopeless, like everything was too overwhelming in her life and she had nothing to run to. She had turned to alcohol and marijuana which led to being without housing, living outside. Life had become very scary, and it was difficult to turn to family. Samantha made the decision to begin working towards getting her daughter back and moved in with her parents. She began her journey to being mentally healthy and to stop using substances.
Previously, Samantha had an unstable work history and being unpresentable for employment became a struggle. Samantha had to work toward putting herself together and keeping her thoughts together. Once Samanth had sought mental health treatment with Labette Center for Mental Health, she became connected to the IPS Supported Employment program. The IPS program gave Samantha “someone to talk to, relatable, always having words of encouragement.” Through Samantha’s journey with IPS she stated, “It has turned my whole life around. …getting up every day and having something to do has given me something to be proud of myself for.”
Now Samantha stays busy throughout the day, so she feels like she is not beating herself up anymore for being at home and feels more positive about herself and what she is accomplishing. She has gained a sense of confidence that she can get the necessary things in life and feels like an adult again. Samantha knows that resources are there for her when she needs them. Samantha stated, “I appreciate being a part of the program and having the skills I learned being in the program and the support I receive. It has really made a difference for me.”
"Jeremiah" (Updated 9/10/2024) "R.T."
R.T. had really struggled with finding and maintaining employment. Not being able to keep a job made it difficult to get a job. He states “the IPS Supported Employment Program has made me a better person because I go to work, I don’t miss shifts anymore and I am staying more active.” He says working has helped with his depression by being able to meet new people and having the opportunity to socialize. When asked how finding competitive employment has impacted his life, he says “it has helped me by being employed and has motivated me to want to do better at work and helped me a lot with my finances”. He says the most helpful part of the IPS Supported Employment program is having someone to talk to about struggles with my job, symptoms, or when he is struggling with his day, the IPS team helps him with motivation. R.T. is working more shifts in job now, and with support of the IPS team and Kansas Rehabilitation Services, has enrolled in full-time classes at LCC for the Fall 2024 semester. He is very excited to have the confidence and support to pursue education towards his dream. R.T. ends by saying “I think everybody I work with in IPS is awesome and I really enjoy the support and help I get”.
"Mr. Mike"
When Mr. Mike lost a job previously, it made him lose hope and he knew he needed to seek mental health care. Mr. Mike struggled with keeping a job and became overwhelmed when his work required him to be in close vicinity to others in the workspace. Mr. Mike describes his journey as a shining light at the end of a dark tunnel. Through the IPS Supported Employment program, Mr. Mike has found a sense of well-being. Having the additional support from the program, and the continued care from all the staff he works with, has helped him to feel like he is getting better. Before becoming a part of the IPS program, Mr. Mike felt like he had little control over his life and of his finances. Having a job has given him an opportunity to get out of the house and to interact with others where he can work towards finding and continuing friendships. Before becoming a part of the IPS Supported employment program, Mr. Mike felt like the stress of not having a job was becoming overwhelming, and at times would begin planning to end his life. Then, through the assistance of an IPS Supported Employment Specialist, he received a call from an employer saying he had gotten the job. "They [IPS Supported Employment team] saved my life." Mr. Mike has recently received a promotion. The position is one he really wanted in a department he wanted. He received a raise in pay and is very happy in his job. With the support of the IPS team, Mr. Mike recently enrolled in the Welding Certificate program at LCC. His next goal is to work in the welding department and is excited to gain the skills necessary to achieve his goal.
"Daniel"
Daniel has struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. In addition, Daniel found applying for and obtaining a job difficult due to issues with cognitive understanding. Daniel had dealt with issues with testing and reading that created an issue with recalling information. Because of this, often it would be difficult to get through the application process and then to have the courage to turn in the application. But Daniel found himself in a situation where he had more to focus on than his own needs. With a daughter to care for, Daniel decided it was time to get the help and support he needed. “The assistance on every single step of the process and the introduction of options that I didn’t even know were available have been some of the most beneficial parts of the IPS Supported Employment program for me,” stated Daniel. “It has restored confidence, which gives me the belief that I can actually see a future rather than meandering with whatever I could come up with and take what I could get.” Daniel’s IPS Supported Employment Specialist helped him through the application and interview process to find a job that best suited his interests. By having the support of IPS, Daniel was able to successfully obtain employment in a job he felt he was good at and comfortable with. “I see a future and I see a path that I could actually achieve, rather than having a dream that I have a few chances for, but not the path that everyone else has because of my cognitive understanding.” Daniel believes the IPS Supported Employment program creates possibilities for those willing to work with the IPS Specialist. Through the support of the program, he has found a way to not only employment, but towards his mental wellbeing. With support of the IPS team, Daniel has gained the confidence to pursue welding skills and is enrolled in the Welding Certificate program at LCC.
IPS Supported Employment Reaches Milestone
Parsons, Kansas – Labette Center’s IPS (Individual Placement & Support) Supported Employment program has been busy working on establishing a solid base of employers and individuals who receive services and are interested in gainful employment in Labette County.
IPS Supported Employment is an evidence-based program (EBP) that aims to help people living with mental illness and co-occurring disorders (mental illness and substance use disorders) to work in jobs that they choose. IPS Supported Employment includes a focus on each individual's strengths and aims to find and maintain work that promotes wellness and recovery on a long-term basis. IPS Supported Employment utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach which includes frequent collaboration between the individual’s treatment team and IPS employment specialists. Trinette Vance, IPS Supervisor, previously worked with the Center as an IPS SE Specialist from 2003-2007 and was excited to return and help rebuild the evidence-based program.
“We are excited to bring IPS Supported Employment program back to the community, as an expanded service with the CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic),” stated Trinette Vance, IPS Supervisor. “We have seen firsthand the significant role Competitive Employment plays in recovery, helping reduce symptoms of depression and giving individuals a sense of fulfillment in their lives.”
Since September of 2023, the program has had over 50 individuals referred to the IPS program by mental health treatment providers. The team has made over 200 face-to-face visits with 100 unique employers in Labette County to gain knowledge and build relationships for successful job matches. By making these connections, the IPS team can directly impact the well-being of the individuals being served and the needs of the work force throughout the community.
The IPS Supported Employment team meets with employers to learn about their businesses, including the employment needs they have and their hiring practices. This information provides the team with the ability to find job matches for the job seekers in the program. The IPS Team also collaborates with Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation and Labette Community College to support participants in achieving their educational goals, which includes getting a GED, training certificate programs such as CNA or Welding, as well as associate degrees. The team also partners with Working Healthy to connect qualifying participants with Work Incentive Programs, which allow them to maintain benefits while working.
“This program offers an amazing opportunity to our community,” stated Matt Atteberry, LSCSW, executive director of Labette Center for Mental Health Services. “It provides hope for those who may be dealing with mental health or substance use issues as they work towards recovery and provides employers with an opportunity to fill vacant positions. It is amazing what the team has been able to accomplish in the community. I look forward to the great work the IPS team will be providing for Labette County in the months and years to come.”
Anyone in services with Labette Center for Mental Health Services can receive assistance from the IPS Supported Employment team. Individuals in services can speak with a mental health professional at the Center to be referred to the program. Employers interested in partnering with the IPS Supported Employment Team may contact Trinette Vance at 620-421-3770 ext. 704 to learn more about how the team can assist with employment needs.
Labette Center for Mental Health Services provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse services to clients of all ages and works closely with local agencies to provide the best care possible. The professionals at LCMHS work tirelessly to create hope and opportunities for life change by providing education, support, consultation, and therapeutic behavioral health services to the people and communities of Labette County.
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