EBP Conference 2021 Session 24

Intro to Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

Thursday 8/26/2021 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CST

The goal of this presentation is to educate stakeholders on the evidence-based practice model of Supported Employment called Individual Placement and Support [IPS], and to promote IPS as a core mental health service within managed care. We will also share "enhancements" that have been added to the IPS model in Illinois that have improved local service delivery and integration of the model in light of COVID-19. IPS is proven through research to be the most effective approach to helping individuals with serious mental illnesses to return to the workforce; with the goal being the attainment and maintenance of a competitive, preference-based job within the community. We believe that work should be a standard of health care in the strengthening of a comprehensive mental health system in Illinois, and that IPS should be the approach to use to assist persons impacted by serious mental illnesses to get into the workforce.

Presented by:

Mary Schepler, Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Mental Health

Mary has been an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Trainer with the Illinois Division of Mental Health for Region 1 (Cook County) and Region 2 (Northern Illinois) since 2016. Mary started in the recovery field as an IPS Employment Specialist in 2011 and since then has been incredibly proud to focus her career on the expansion of Evidence Based Practices that support vocational recovery goals. She holds a B.F.A from Northern Illinois University and her master's degree in Community Development from North Park University in Chicago.