People with a mental illness/psychiatric diagnosis often feel that working or going back to work is crucial to their recovery. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence based practice that was developed at Dartmouth to help people get and maintain employment. In Michigan the official name being used is Evidence-Based Supported Employment (EBSE).
In the Evidence-Based Supported Employment (EBSE) program, it is up to each individual to decide whether to disclose their mental illness/psychiatric diagnosis or not when searching for employment or maintaining employment. The person may or may not choose to receive on the job assistance or mediation, if a problem should arise from support staff.
The State of Michigan believes that Competitive Employment is important. Competitive Employment means that a person is a valued part of their community. Through employment, people have found ways to become more active in their communities, gained self-esteem and a better quality of life. These are all important parts of each individual's recovery journey. Competitive Employment means that a person works in an integrated community setting where the individual receives wages that are at or above minimum wage.
Evidence-Based Supported Employment (EBSE) in Michigan has five important elements:
-Rapid job search
-Jobs fit the person (choice)
-Time-unlimited supports
-Supports are integrated (mental health support, substance abuse support. and employment support all work together)
-A zero-exclusion policy (this means no one is screened out because they aren't considered ready enough to work)
The zero-exclusion policy is considered an important component in Evidence-Based Supported Employment (EBSE) by people receiving mental health services in Michigan. It is a welcome addition that people get choice and control over whether they are able and desire to return to work or to start working.
To learn if Evidence-Based Supported Employment (EBSE) is offered in your area, contact your community mental health service provider.