Practitioner perspectives on Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for individuals with serious mental illness

BACKGROUND: Although individual placement and support (IPS) is established as an evidence-based model of supported employment, opportunities for improvements abound. Front-line supported employment practitioners are uniquely positioned to provide feedback on implementation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates IPS from a practitioner perspective to illuminate themes in practitioner endorsement, advantages, disadvantages, growth opportunities, ideal practitioner characteristics, sequence of services and methods for promoting self-determination. METHODS: Sixty-seven employment practitioners completed an open-ended survey about IPS implementation. Qualitative results were analyzed using Lofland and Lofland's (1984) systematic filing system and Berg's (2004) themes to combine similar items into categorical frameworks. RESULTS: Three conceptual frameworks are described: Program, Practitioner Characteristics and Practitioner Essential Tasks. Despite general endorsement of IPS, many complexities are discussed. Practitioners emphasized the importance of interpersonal skills in establishing rapport, promoting hope and encouraging self-determination. Highly organized, persistent practitioners who balance client and business needs are seen as most effective. CONCLUSIONS: We offer these frameworks for utilization by IPS practitioners, researchers and stakeholders for the purposes of program development and organizational decision-making.