Individual Placement & Support (IPS)

TeAM is the only IPS service provider in the Top of the South. The IPS model of employment support has several main principles and focuses on improved outcomes for clients through integration of employment support with mental health support. In Nelson-Marlborough and Tasman our Employment Specialists work within the mental health teams.

Individual Placement and Support is an evidence-based practice that supports people with serious mental illness (and other disabilities) to identify and acquire part-time or full-time jobs of their choice in the community with rapid job search and job brokering services. It emphasises that work is not the result of treatment and recovery but integral to both. IPS upholds client choice as well as time unlimited and individual services with follow on support. Mainstream education and training are included as ways to enhance career paths.

The 8 Principles of IPS:

• Zero Exclusion Policy - Eligible people are not excluded on the basis of readiness, diagnoses, symptoms, substance use history, psychiatric hospitalisations, homelessness, level of disability, or legal system involvement
• Integrated Employment and Treatment - IPS programs are integrated with mental health treatment teams. Employment Specialists attach to 1 or 2 mental health treatment teams, which discuss their caseload
• Competitive Jobs - Jobs anyone can apply for, pay at least minimum wage/same pay as co-workers with similar duties, and with no artificial time limits imposed by the social service agency
• Rapid Job Search - IPS programs use a rapid job search approach to help job seekers obtain jobs rather than assessments, training, & counselling
• Systematic Job Development - Employment Specialists systematically visit employers, who are selected based on the jobseeker’s preferences, to learn about their business needs and hiring preferences
• Time Unlimited Support - Job supports are individualised and continue for as long as needed
• Client Preferences - IPS program services are based on each jobseeker’s preferences and choices rather than the Employment Specialist’s and Care Coordinator’s judgments.
• Benefits Planning - Employment Specialists help people obtain personalised, understandable, and accurate information about Work & Income benefits, Kiwisaver, and other entitlements.