Many peer-run agencies offer vocational services and supports. Some consumer-operated programs have successfully adopted the evidence-based IPS model in whole or in part. Other programs provide beneficial vocational services that are not based on IPS principles. 

Here we offer resources for peer-operated programs that would like to implement evidence-based IPS services delivered by their peer specialist staff. We also provide examples from the field.  

Resources for Implementing IPS 

Learn more about the evidence-based model of supported employment called Individual Placement and Support, or IPS. 
Access this SAMHSA toolkit on creating and sustaining an IPS program. 
Visit both The IPS Employment Center and the Illinois IPS Initiative to access multiple resources for peer-run (or any) program looking to implement evidence-based supported employment services. 
Review this comprehensive manual on conducting an IPS Fidelity Assessment to learn each of the program elements that is associated with effectively helping people with mental health conditions to find and keep jobs. 

Examples from the Field

New York
Baltic Street AEH is a peer-led agency with over 20 years of providing services. The agency participated in a developmental study with our Center and its partner, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, to implement IPS supported employment.

​Baltic Street’s IPS supported employment team was comprised of four employment specialists with lived experience. They all received initial and ongoing IPS training and underwent periodic fidelity assessment. Taina Martinez, Baltic Street’s Director of Employment Services, describes IPS as “the way to go” for peer-led organizations. Their ongoing training, technical assistance, and fidelity reviews offered
clear guidelines and support for program development and quality improvement. In addition, the focus on fidelity helped protect staff by limiting caseload size to maximize outcomes and prevent burnout. The Baltic Street IPS team was honored with a Recognition of Excellence in Wellness award from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 
North Carolina
In 2008, North Carolina began to implement IPS supported employment across the state. Promise Resource Network (PRN), a peer-operated agency, served as the IPS technical assistance center. PRN also created its own IPS team, which is fully staffed by peer specialists, including the Team Leader, the Employment Specialists, and the Employment Peer Mentor.

Through a series of pilot programs, PRN was instrumental in demonstrating to the state that peer workers have a positive impact on employment services. This led to the creation of Employment Peer Mentors. The state now mandates inclusion of Employment Peer Mentors on all IPS teams. 
Virginia
Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center is a peer-led recovery center with an IPS supported employment team. All IPS staff are peers, including the Team Leader and three Employment Specialists.

​The team collaborates with other agency staff and across agencies through local and state government contracts. The Fairfax Falls Church Community Services Board (county government) awarded this IPS team with the Partner Spirit of Excellence Award. 

Go to the last section of this online toolkit, which features other roles for peer specialists in supported employment programs 

Back to main page on Peer Support & IPS Supported Employment

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