PITTSBURG, Kan. — Crawford County Mental Health Center (CCMHC) is contributing to the workforce in the community through the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program. As part of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) accreditation, CCMHC implemented the evidence-based program, IPS, in February. Through IPS, CCMHC IPS Program Coordinator Victoria Hensley has helped 12 individuals obtain meaningful employment.
The IPS program is an evidence based model of supported employment for people with a persistent mental illness or addiction. IPS supported employment allows people living with behavioral health conditions to work at regular jobs of their choosing. Although variations of supported employment exist, IPS is the preferred model under the state of Kansas CCBHC model. The mission of CCMHC's IPS program is to aid clients in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment in the community while focusing on their mental health or substance use recovery.
Since February, CCMHC's IPS program has received 14 clients referrals. Of those referrals, 12 are actively participating in the program. As of June, 2023, over 40% of referred clients are currently employed - with one client in the beginning stages of a self-employment business plan for hand-drawn greeting cards.
Benefits of IPS for those with persistent mental illness or addiction include increased income, improved self-esteem and social networks, increased quality of life, reduction of hospitalization and substance use, and better control of symptoms. While IPS benefits the clients enrolled, it also has benefits for participating employers. Benefits include tailored employee matches for any given organization, customized support to the employee after hire with no timelines, reduced employee turnover, and the mutual contribution to the mental health recovery of IPS clients.
Angie Judd, IPS Employment Specialist, spoke to the program's impact she has seen with clients, "The job search process can be challenging and daunting for anyone. As an IPS Employment Specialist, I am able to assist and empower individuals by reducing some of the stress that comes with job searching. By focusing on the strengths and aspirations of each person, I am able to offer support that helps boost both confidence and motivation, which allows them to move ahead toward gaining meaningful employment."
"Being able to offer this support, I have witnessed the transformative effect it has on my clients, and celebrating their progress and growth makes this work truly rewarding," stated Judd.
IPS provides direct assistance to clients in obtaining work, education, or technical training and support is continued after securing employment. Judd works closely with an entire team of practitioners who provide services for individuals participating in IPS.
Individuals seeking mental health care that wish to access IPS services can speak with their provider or visit the Same Day Access Clinic, located at 911 E. Centennial in Pittsburg, Kansas. The Same Day Access Clinic operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. No appointment necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.
Interested employers that would like to work with CCMHC for the customized placement of future employees should contact Victoria Hensley, IPS Program Coordinator, or Angie Judd, IPS Employment Specialist at 620-231-5130.
Crawford County Mental Health Center has been serving the mental health needs of Crawford County since 1961, offering adult, children, crisis, and substance use services. For more information, please call 620-231-5130 or visit www.crawfordmentalhealth.org.
