OUTPATIENT SERVICES
Frontier Health’s Supported Employment program utilizes Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals find jobs to promote recovery in our community. IPS is a model of supported employment for people with serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar, depression). IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work at regular jobs of their choosing. Although variations of supported employment exist, IPS refers to the evidence-based practice of supported employment.
IPS IS BASED ON THESE 8 PRINCIPLES
- Every person with severe mental illness who wants to work is eligible for IPS supported employment
- Employment services are integrated with mental health treatment services
- Competitive employment is the goal
- Personalized benefits counseling is provided
- The job search starts soon after a person expresses interest in working
- Employment specialists systematically develop relationships with employers based upon their client’s preferences
- Job supports are continuous and long lasting
- Client preferences are honored
IPS specialists strive to build relationships with businesses by visiting in person and learning about individual company cultures, preferences, and needs. When IPS specialists approach businesses, they do so based on individual job seeker skills, strengths, and interests for work. In this way, IPS specialists may be viewed as an extension of the human resources team at the company with the added bonus of being a cost-free service. Not only do IPS specialists take time and care to get to know each business and each individual job seeker to create a good match, but they are also available after a person is hired to assist with on-boarding, training, and problem-solving which helps to ensure success for both the employee and the employer.
IPS Employment Success Stories
Meet Adison
I was introduced to IPS services in February 2024 by my Case Manager, Brittany. I was looking for part-time work but lacked confidence due to my anxiety, and what I felt like was a lack of social skills, to work among a team. In the beginning, I was focused on trying to find employment at a small frozen yogurt place. After meeting with my Employment Specialist, Nathan, and working through my intake, career profile and job search plan, I developed an awareness and confidence to branch out to other employment opportunities.
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My only previous work experience was when I was a teenager and I worked at McDonald’s for two weeks while in high school. While working there, I had a bad experience; I had spilled a bunch of fries on my shift and my manager took a picture of the spill without knowing who did it. I became so scared I would get in trouble, I quit my job. Years later, after Nathan, Brittany, and Claressa helped me work through my insecurities, I was able to gain more confidence and that led to me finding employment opportunities that not only fit my skills but also met my needs. I engaged in interview skills training with Nathan and Claressa, which I felt was one of the most beneficial services I received. I felt like I was ready to apply for some jobs locally.
I was hired as a part-time crew member at McDonald’s. Yes, McDonald’s. The last place I thought I would be considering looking for a job. My first day on the job was 5/15/2024. I couldn’t believe I was able to start working less than 3 months after first joining IPS Employment Services. Nathan met with me once every week for the first month after I started working and helped me work through my anxiety, provided me with conversational skills training, and training on running a cash register. I have been able to develop friendships with my coworkers and customers who come into the restaurant regularly. My Department of Rehabilitation Services Counselor, Melissa, helped me to get work clothing, shoes, jacket and accessories for my job that made me feel comfortable while I worked.
Currently, I am working more hours and covering extra shifts that helps me earn more money to help my family out with bills and buy myself a few things I want. I recently trained a new employee and I am considering applying for a crew trainer position should one become available which would be a promotion for me. I never thought after my first work experience that I would be sharing my success story at McDonald’s, but here I am loving my job, enjoying the money I make, and mostly, feeling better with my recovery.
Meet Harry
Harry was struggling to find work on his own and decided he would like some help with employment. Harry mentioned to his Case Manager that he would like to find a job but was struggling to secure employment that he would enjoy. Harry previously worked at McDonald’s as a Crew Member but didn’t enjoy the job and quit his job due to high anxiety levels. Harry’s Case Manager, Whitney, informed him of Frontier Health’s Individual Placement and Support Employment (IPS) Services. Harry requested to sign up and helped his case manager complete a referral for IPS Employment Services.
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Harry then met with Nathan, IPS Employment Specialist, and completed an intake for IPS services. Harry also met with a Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) counselor, Melissa, at the Norton, Virginia office to collaborate with IPS Employment Services and provide supports. After his initial appointment, Harry continued to meet with Nathan to complete his Career Profile and Job Search Plan. Harry and Nathan then developed a resume and began doing mock interviews upon Harry’s request. Harry reported that he was gaining confidence in his interviewing skills from practicing with Nathan and was ready to begin applying for employment, guided by job development services led by Nathan. Harry applied for several positions at different employment sites.
By December 20th, Harry and Nathan identified a job opening as a Transit Driver with Mountain Empire Older Citizens and Harry was interested in pursuing this opportunity. Nathan assisted Harry with applying for the job. On January 8th , Harry spoke with the hiring manager at MEOC Transit and received an interview on January 30th. Harry reported to Nathan that his interview went great and he contacted hiring manager to check on the job opening. Harry then received a job offer for a part-time Transit Driver position at MEOC on February 14th.
On February 26th , Harry reported that he had completed a mandatory drug screen and attempted to complete his Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) physical but was unable to, due to needing updated immunization records from his Primary Care Physician. This would be the first of many obstacles Harry would overcome with supports from Nathan, Whitney, Melissa, and others. Harry obtained the required records and went back to complete VDOT physical but was informed he would be unable to complete it due not having a current sleep study due to his diagnosis of sleep apnea. Harry went back to his Primary Care Physician and obtained a sleep study referral. Harry completed his sleep study on April 7th and completed his VDOT physical on April 17th.
Harry reported that he will begin orientation with MEOC on April 23rd. Nathan met with Harry on April 23rd prior to him beginning work to discuss what to expect for his first day. After the appointment, Harry informed Nathan that MEOC Transit called him and stated he would need to obtain an updated signature on for his immunization records due to the signature being more than 30 days old. Nathan provided Harry with encouragement and praised Harry’s perseverance for continuing his employment journey, despite all the obstacles that had been in his way. Harry was able to obtain an updated signature and began his first day of work at MEOC Transit on April 29th. Harry and Nathan met again on April 30th to discuss his job start. Along the way, DARS provided Harry with gas vouchers to assist him with expenses.
Harry provided Nathan with the specific details of his employment and expressed having positive interactions with all of his co-workers. Harry and Nathan continued to meet weekly after Harry began working to ensure things were going smooth on the job. Harry is appreciative of the support. Harry reported that his co-workers were very supportive and had assisted him in obtaining food until he received his first paycheck. On May 28th Harry reported to receiving his own transit van from MEOC and would be able to start using it to travel to and from work.
Nathan met with Harry’s supervisors to get their perspective of how Harry was performing on the job. Harry’s supervisors reported that he is an excellent employee and that they couldn’t have found a better worker to fit their environment. By June 2nd Harry reported that he received his own transit route and is still really enjoying the job. Harry reported that his peers, mental health practitioners, and those around him have expressed noticing a positive difference in his mood since working. Harry also reported that he has been less depressed as of late due to having something to focus his time on while he is at work. Harry reports “I am happy that I signed up for IPS Employment Services and would recommend it to anyone that needs assistance with employment”.
“My case manager made me aware of the IPS Employment Services program. I was hesitant at first and it took a couple of months for me to sign up. Once I signed up, Nathan helped create a new resume and find a job opportunity that fit my preferences. Once I began working, Nathan continued to meet with me and helped me with any job-related issues. DARS also helped me by providing a gas card to travel to and from work and meetings. I would highly recommend IPS Employment Services to anyone who is looking for a job.”
If you are interested in having an assessment for eligibility and referral completed for the IPS program
OR
If you are an employer that would like to connect with the IPS program to hire the individuals we serve
please fill out the contact information form: