The IPS model provides customized and long-term vocational, case management, and mental health services to youth experiencing homelessness to help them get a job and maintain their employment. The model follows eight supported-employment principles, all of which relate to theories of psychiatric recovery. IPS participants were assigned to an employment specialist, case manager, and clinician at study enrollment. All study staff were co-located to integrate mental health services with job search supports. The employment process began with a vocational assessment or career profile followed by a rapid job search and follow-along supports. Participants met with each of these support staff at least once per week over the 20-month intervention period, either in person, by phone, or via social media.
Youth were eligible to participate in the study if they were between the ages of 16 and 24, spoke English, had a desire to work, and had a clinical diagnosis in the past year for one of six mental illnesses. The intervention was implemented in Los Angeles, CA.
The effectiveness of IPS when compared to SEI indicates the effect of being referred to a set of services that includes those unique to IPS, or how much better the offer of IPS meets participants’ needs than the offer of SEI. In contrast with IPS, SEI used a team approach to engage participants by involving them in an agency-run social enterprise.
Low
