Most adults in mental health recovery want to work. For many, satisfying employment leads to a more meaningful life and improved wellness. Individual Placement and Support (also called IPS) supported employment is an evidence-based approach to helping people with mental health conditions find competitive employment that fits their preferences. Once a person finds a job, IPS programs provide ongoing workplace support. This career development process for people who have experienced employment barriers is often referred to as "vocational recovery."
It is becoming increasingly evident that mental health peer support and self-help enhance self-direction in the vocational recovery process. This is true in traditional mental health and vocational programs, as well as those that are peer-operated. Peer support specialists are involved in evidence-based supported employment in many ways, including by offering pre- and post-employment services, serving as Employment Specialists, and conducting training and fidelity audits.
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Employment-Focused Peer SupportLearn about the different ways that Peer Support Specialists enhance supported employment programs.Vertical Divider
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Peer Supporters as IPS Employment SpecialistsAccess information and resources about Peer Specialists serving as IPS Employment Specialists. |
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Peer-Operated Employment ProgramsLearn how peer-run programs are implementing evidence-based supported employment.Vertical Divider
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Other Key Roles for Peer Specialists in Supported EmploymentTap into other key functions that Peer Specialists perform in supported employment programs.Vertical Divider
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Nominate a vocational program or IPS team that employs peer specialists.
Tell their story, and we may feature them in our online toolkit!
This toolkit was compiled by the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (Peg Swarbrick and Patricia Nemec) and the UIC Center on Integrated Health Care and Self-Directed Recovery (Jessica Jonikas and Judith Cook), 2019.
People in mental health recovery, their family members, and service providers are welcome to reproduce our products for their personal and/or programmatic use. However, no part of any of the products may be reproduced, adapted, or modified for commercial, research, or educational purposes, or for publication (including self-publication), without written permission from the UIC Center.
People in mental health recovery, their family members, and service providers are welcome to reproduce our products for their personal and/or programmatic use. However, no part of any of the products may be reproduced, adapted, or modified for commercial, research, or educational purposes, or for publication (including self-publication), without written permission from the UIC Center.