Individual Placement Services and Your Rights (IPS)

What is IPS?

IPS is a program paid for by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services and supported by the IDHS, Division of Mental Health.

This program helps people with disabilities find and keep a meaningful, competitive job.

With this program, everyone with a qualified condition can participate.

Also, you will be able to receive:

Tailored benefits,
Counseling,
Management of treatment,
Help with looking for a job as soon as you are ready,
Ongoing support services,
Help in finding a job that matches your personal choice, and
At competitive pay.

How Do I Learn More?

To find out if Individual Placement and Support services are available near you, you may refer yourself online by going to https://wr.dhs.illinois.gov/wrpublic/wr/dynamic/referral.jsf or by calling the IDHS Help line at:

1-800-843-6154

1-866-324-5553 TTY/

Nextalk, 711 TTY Relay

What other options are there for me?

Access to Vocational Rehabilitation services, including:
Assessing to see if you are job ready,
Using skills, you already have,
Helping you identify your social and personal interests,
Making sure your vocational and job-related interests are met,
Helping you develop effective ways to deal with any problems or stress,
Creating a job match profile,
Developing a job plan to meet your job choices,
Helping you plan your future goals,
Helping you develop job skills,
Supporting you with changes in your new workplace,
Offering you on-the-job support,
Providing counseling and personal guidance,
Helping you develop your job preferences and finding the right job for you, and
Helping you keep your job.

What if I need help finding a job?

The first thing to do to get help finding a job, is to get in touch with a place called a "Prime Agency". They can help you connect to an Individual Placement and

Support Employment Specialist (IPS) who will:

Support your choices to find a job that fits your expectations,
Help you find job opportunities,
Contact employers on your behalf, if desired, and
Help you practice for job interviews.

For assistance in locating a Prime Agency in your area, you can refer yourself online at: https://wr.dhs.illinois.gov/wrpublic/wr/dynamic/referral.jsf or contact the IDHS Help line at 1-800-843-6154.

Will I lose my benefits?

No. The place you live in cannot take away your benefits for getting a job.

Can the place I live in take my pay?

Depending on how your care is paid for, the place you live in may be able to keep part of your pay.

Please talk to a staff person in the place where you live or your "Prime Agency" to find out more.

However, some of the benefits to consider are getting a job will help in building a work history and to have steady pay if you ever choose to move out.

What if I want to move out, can I get help finding a place to live?

Yes, you may visit the IDHS online to refer yourself or contact the IDHS Help line for help.

What rights do I have when it comes to getting a job?

You have the right to:

Choose activities and schedules you want,
Keep living where you are,
Meet with a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, community organizations, social service groups, legal service groups, or members of the public and
Complain to the place you live in and get a quick response.

Lastly, those who manage the place you live in may not threaten or punish you for asking that your rights be met.

They also cannot prevent you from contacting groups to help you, like:

* Long-Term Care Ombudsman:

1-800-252-8966 (Voice & TTY)

https://ilaging.illinois.gov/programs/ltcombudsman.html

* Equip for Equality, Incorporated:

For persons with disabilities. 1-800-537-2632 (Voice & TTY)

www.equipforequality.org

* Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): 1-800-252-4343 or 1-800-547-0466 (TTY)

What if I want to file a complaint?

You may file a complaint with IDPH by going online at: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/complaints.html.

Here you may download a form, write down your concerns, and send your complaint with IDPH.