Principles for enhancing the role of state vocational rehabilitation in IPS-supported employment.

Abstract

Research has established the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment as an effective approach for persons with severe mental illnesses. This article examines strategies for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to enhance employment outcomes through better collaboration with IPS programs. Twenty-one focus groups were conducted in rural and urban locations in Illinois with mental health consumers, VR counselors, IPS specialists, and mental health professionals. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify features of strong collaborations between VR and IPS programs. Features of strong collaborations between VR and IPS programs included the following: (a) expertise, (b) consistency, (c) accessibility, and (d) integration. Five recommendations were developed from themes expressed in focus groups: (a) enhance mutual knowledge and understanding between VR and IPS practitioners, (b) examine and modify VR regulations and guidelines that conflict with IPS principles, (c) create clear guidelines for VR participation on IPS teams, (d) create guidelines for good relationships between VR and community mental health centers, and (e) develop tools to promote accountability in VR staff and systems to improve employment outcomes for people with mental illness. Modest changes in the federal/state VR program could enhance that system's capability to foster employment outcomes for persons with severe mental illness.