What is IPS and why is it important to people with mental health concerns?

11 Jan 2023

“A job can mean social inclusion and belonging, a daily routine, a way to build confidence and the dignity of making a valued contribution to your community,” says employment specialist Ben Johnston. “It also gives you the means to financially support yourself and your family, and is of course important for housing and food security.

“Depending on your situation, it can literally be the difference between feeling like you are part of society, or instead being ‘stuck on the sidelines’ in isolation every day,” he says. 

Ben and colleague Jen Hall recently launched a free support service - individual placement and support, or IPS - to help people with mental health concerns in Perth’s east find and maintain employment while managing their mental wellbeing.

What is IPS?

“IPS helps people with mental health barriers to find and, importantly, keep a job they love,” says Jen.

“Clients of Midland Head to Health –  a free, walk-in mental health centre open every day in Perth’s east - are able to assess together with their case manager if it is a good time in their mental health journey to re-join the workforce,” says Jen.

“If so, Ben or I will step in and identify with the client their vocational goals.”

How can an employment specialist help me?

IPS can support you to:

• Connect with potential employers
• Find training, education or skills development to increase your chances of finding work
• Make a change in career direction
• Get back into a job after a long time away from the workforce

What does it involve?

Our employment specialists will help you:

• Look at skills and/or training you need to be job-ready and assist with the application process
• Create or update a resume and cover letter
• Look for suitable jobs that inspire you
• Help you prepare for an interview
• If needed, talk with your new employer about your mental health barriers so they can task you appropriately and ensure you feel safe at work
• Support you as you start your new job
• Provide ongoing job support to keep you mentally well and employed

The service is part of an Australian Government pilot of IPS at selected adult mental health centres across Australia, aimed at improving the health and financial wellbeing of clients through participation in employment.

Jen says the benefits of IPS for both employers and employees are numerous.

“Apart from the inclusion and self-esteem benefits for employees, employers are likely to gain a motivated and loyal employee who adds to the diversity of the workplace,” Jen says.

“With a meaningful role for a client to make their own and the support of our IPS employment specialists, the effects can often be profound for both the employee and the workplace.”

To find out more, or if you think you may have a suitable role at your business for an IPS client, go to sjog.org.au/midlandheadtohealth or phone 1800 161 178.