Effects of Self-Directed Career Accounts on Vocational Outcomes of Supported Employment Recipients

Study Overview 

This evaluation project examined the impact of a flexible fund called a Career Account on the vocational success of individuals receiving evidence-based practice supported employment services using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. The use of Career Accounts is a self-directed approach to vocational service delivery that allows participants to manage a personal budget from which they purchase goods and services needed for job seeking, career development, and employment.

Study Partner

Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers

​Established in 1959, Thresholds provides health care, housing, employment services, and hope for thousands of persons with mental health and substance use disorders in Illinois every year. Through care, employment, advocacy, and housing, Thresholds assists and inspires people in mental health recovery to reclaim their lives. Thresholds served as the study site for this evaluation. ​​

Review the results of our randomized controlled trial study:

Learn about the impact of self-directed career accounts on job tenure, days employed, earnings, and financial well-being of people receiving Individual Placement and Support (IPS) vocational services.

Presentation on self-directed career accounts for vocational goods & services as an effective complement to IPS.