The Individualized Placement and Support Program (IPS), funded by the Illinois department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, provides supported employment services to adult individuals currently receiving mental health treatment and who accept such services. IPS staff offers benefits counseling to address consumer concerns regarding loss of benefits which often poses a significant barrier to seeking stable employment.
IPS staff members administer a Job Preferences Inventory tool to determine consumer preferences for desired work settings, career fields, work schedule, location and accessibility, strengths and abilities, past experience, and weaknesses, etc. The tool assists in the preparation of an Individualized Job Search Plan along with the initial assessment identifying consumer choices. IPS staff actively outreach to the business community and seek to establish an active dialogue with local business owners for the purpose of establishing collaborative relationships and potential job placement sites.