IPS Social Media Toolkit

Individual Placement and Support Graphic Messaging

Research shows that IPS job seekers have superior employment outcomes. Each job seeker can expect a whole-person approach with a focus on individualized preferences and treatment supports. The goal of IPS is to match a job seeker to a quality job and provide support for long-term success. Learn more at (insert organization link)

Alt Text for Image: A photo of a Caucasian woman smiling and pointing up toward the text. The text reads “Your employment journey is a pathway to recovery.” and “Individual Placement and Support. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence based model for people with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder.” and “ IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work in careers of their choosing. How can IPS work for you?” #IPSWorks, #IPSColorado

Why Focus on Employment Graphic Messaging

Employment is a social determinant of health. This means that quality employment can lead to better health outcomes. Employment provides a sense of purpose and community and can improve self-esteem. According to the National Institute of Health (2023), “Employment provides substantial benefits to personal and societal health.” IPS employment specialists work in partnership with job seekers to make job matches that support financial and emotional health. Learn more at (insert organization link)

Alt Text for Image: A photo of a Black woman smiling and pumping her fists with joy. The text reads “Your employment journey is a pathway to recovery.” and “Why Focus on Employment? It’s an essential part of recovery. Employment is a typical path for adults in our society. It’s a cost-effective alternative to day treatment.” and “ IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work in careers of their choosing. How can IPS work for you?” #IPSWorks, #IPSColorado

Benefits of Employment Graphic Messaging

IPS job seekers are matched to jobs of their choosing. Most of us see work as an essential part of our lives. Work success can also help increase self-esteem, reduce psychiatric and substance use symptoms, and increase life satisfaction (Luciano, Bond, & Drake, 2014). Work gives people the opportunity to see their recovery in action! Learn more at (insert organization link)

Alt Text for Image: A photo of an Asian man with long hair raising a fist in excitement. The text reads “Your employment journey is a pathway to recovery.” and “Benefits of Employment. Increased income, Improved self esteem, Increased social connection, Enhanced quality of life, Better symptom management, Reduced substance use, reduced hospitalization.” and “ IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work in careers of their choosing. How can IPS work for you?” #IPSWorks, #IPSColorado

IPS Works Graphic Messaging

IPS is a model that works. IPS job seekers get work faster, earn more money, and have higher rates of job satisfaction than people in other types of supported employment programming (IPS Employment Center). A meta-analysis of 30 studies shows that IPS job seekers are 63% more likely to obtain competitive employment than job seekers in other types of vocational programming (Fredrick & VanderWeele,2019). Learn more at (insert organization link)

Alt Text for Image: A photo of an Asian man smiling with his hand on his face looking up and thinking. The text reads “Your employment journey is a pathway to recovery.” and “IPS Works! Two-thirds of people with serious mental illness want to work but only 15% are employed. Work is the best treatment we have for serious mental illness. Being productive is a basic human need. Work has a positive impact on health.” and “ IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work in careers of their choosing. How can IPS work for you?” #IPSWorks, #IPSColorado

IPS and Substance Use Disorders Graphic Messaging

IPS is an effective approach for individuals in substance use recovery. IPS and treatment work together to support an individual’s life goals. Anyone in treatment who wants to work has access to the IPS Program. Employment provides a sense of purpose and community and can improve self-esteem. According to the National Institute of Health (2023), “Employment provides substantial benefits to personal and societal health.” IPS employment specialists work in partnership with job seekers to make job matches that support financial and emotional health. Learn more at (insert organization link)

Alt Text for Image: A photo of a Caucasian woman with blue hair smiling with her arms crossed.. The text reads “Your employment journey is a pathway to recovery.” and “IPS and Substance Use Disorders. Myth: People need to complete treatment before finding employment. Each person recovers in their own unique way. Work can improve self esteem, add a sense of purpose, offer hope for a better life, and contribute to recovery in positive ways.” and “ IPS supported employment helps people living with behavioral health conditions work in careers of their choosing. How can supported employment work for you?” #IPSWorks, #IPSColorado

Zero Exclusion Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

All people who want to work are encouraged to join the IPS program. Research shows that practitioners can not accurately predict who will be successful in employment, and a person’s desire to work is the key to success. IPS employment specialists partner with job seekers to find jobs that match their interests, skills, and capabilities. IPS job seekers and IPS employment specialists navigate barriers and find solutions to achieve work goals.

Alt Text: A photo of a young man with down syndrome gesturing ‘perfect’ to the camera by joining his thumb and forefinger together. The background is a light blue, white, and light purple color block. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Zero Exclusion. People are not excluded on the basis of readiness, diagnoses, symptoms, substance use history, psychiatric hospitalizations, homelessness, disability, or legal system involvement. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Benefits Planning Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

Benefits planning is offered to every person receiving IPS services. Sometimes people believe that they can’t or should not work because they receive a public benefit or entitlement, but this is not the case. There are many work incentives for people receiving SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other benefits. IPS employment specialists can link people to a certified benefits planner to help them understand how income from employment impacts their benefits. Reach out to the IPS program if someone you work with wants to work but is concerned about how earned income affects public benefits.

Alt Text: A photo of a young Black woman smiling against a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked background. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Benefits Planning. Employment specialists help connect people to benefits planners to obtain personalized, understandable, and accurate information about their Social Security, Medicaid, and other government entitlements. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Individualized & Time Unlimited Supports Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

The IPS supported employment program partners with people to help them gain and maintain employment. Once a person gets a job the IPS employment specialist provides follow-along services to support the person for as long as the person desires. If the person decides they want to change jobs or find a better opportunity, the IPS employment specialist helps them with that process too.

Alt Text: A photo of a Caucasian woman with long blonde hair and pink glasses looking surprised and pointing to the text. Background is a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Individualized and Time Unlimited Supports. Job supports are individualized and continue for as long as each worker wants and needs the support. Employment Specialists have face to face contact at least monthly. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Attention to Individual Preference Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

IPS supported employment is a person-centered and individualized program. The program helps people get jobs that match their preferences and goals. Matching job preferences leads to better employment outcomes.

Alt Text: A photo of a light skinned older man smiling with arms folded. Background is a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Attention to Individual Preference. IPS program services are based on each job seeker’s preferences and choices rather than the employment specialist’s and supervisor’s judgments. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Zero Exclusion Graphic Messaging (Public)

If you want to work, get a better job, or get on a career pathway, the IPS Supported Employment program at [insert agency name here] can help. Our trained IPS employment specialists develop a career plan that matches your goals and support needs.

Alt Text: A photo of a young Asian woman who is blind and using a smart phone is featured on the right against a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked background. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Zero exclusion. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Benefits Planning Graphic Messaging (Public)

Earning an income and keeping benefits is possible. With benefits planning you can keep the benefits that are most important to you and earn more too! Benefits planning is just one of the ways the IPS Supported Employment program can help you on your path to a good job.

Alt Text: A photo of a Native American woman against a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked background. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Benefits Planning. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Individualized & Time Unlimited Supports Graphic Messaging (Public)

The IPS supported employment program facilitates employment success by ensuring you have the assistance and resources you need to keep your job and advance in your career. Supports are available for as long as you need them.

Alt Text: A photo of two transgender people smiling against a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked background. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Individualized and Time Unlimited Supports. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Attention to Individual Preference Graphic Messaging (Public)

A good job is within reach! Whether you want to get on a career pathway, try something new, or find a job that meets your needs today, the IPS Supported Employment program can help. Work preferences may include salary, location, position, benefits, work environment, role, and work tasks.

Alt Text: A photo of a Muslim man with arms folded looking at the camera against a light blue, white, and light purple color blocked background. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Attention to Individual Preference. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Competitive Employment Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

IPS supported employment programs help people get good jobs with competitive wages. All job placements are competitive and integrated. The job has a competitive wage, which means minimum wage or higher and/or a wage that is consistent with the going rate for the position held. Jobs are integrated work settings and not in positions that are held for people with disabilities.

Alt Text: Photo of an African American man with a red sweatshirt, smiling toward the camera. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Competitive Employment. IPS supported employment connects job seekers to meaningful work with competitive wages. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Systematic Job Development Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

IPS employment specialists build strong relationships with hiring managers to open doors for job seekers. Strong relationships are the foundation for developing a supportive employment opportunity.

Alt Text: Photo of a young woman with blond hair who is smiling and holding up her resume. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Systematic Job Development. IPS Employment Specialists develop relationships with businesses to learn about the needs of the business, share information about the IPS program, and connect qualified job seekers to available opportunities. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Rapid Job Search Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

IPS supported employment programs start the job search process within 30 days of your first employment. This process includes networking with employers, developing resumes, and applying for jobs. During this time employment specialists meet with hiring managers to foster future employment opportunities and gather real-time labor market information. Engaging in a rapid job search maintains job seeker motivation and helps to develop preferences and career goals.

Alt Text: Photo of a young woman with red hair who is seated in her wheelchair and holding a laptop. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Rapid Job Search. IPS Employment Specialists implement the job search plan by engaging with hiring managers within the first 30 days of service. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Integrated Services Graphic Messaging (Professionals)

IPS supported employment services are integrated with clinical services. IPS employment specialists are full members of the treatment team. Clinicians and IPS employment specialists work together to support client-driven career goals.

Alt Text: Photo of a diverse group of people holding books and laptops all smiling at the camera. Text reads 8 Principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Integrated Services. Employment services and goals are integrated into behavioral healthcare services. Each member of the clinical team participates in supporting job seeker’s goals. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Competitive Employment Graphic Messaging (Public)

IPS supported employment helps people get good jobs with competitive wages!

Alt Text: Photo of a Mexican transgender woman wearing a multi-colored button up blouse. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Competitive Employment. IPS supported employment connects job seekers to meaningful work with competitive wages. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Systematic Job Development Graphic Messaging (Public)

IPS employment specialists build strong relationships with hiring managers to open doors for job seekers. Strong relationships are the foundation for developing a supportive employment opportunity.

Alt Text: Photo of a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab and holding a smartphone. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Systematic Job Development. IPS Employment Specialists network with businesses to help job seekers access supportive work opportunities that match their goals and preferences. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Rapid Job Search Graphic Messaging (Public)

IPS-supported employment programs start the job search process within 30 days of your first employment meeting. This process includes networking with employers, developing resumes, and applying for jobs.

Alt Text: Photo of a man wearing a blue button down shirt who is smiling casually at the camera with his arms folded. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Rapid Job Search. Why wait? Within the first 30 days of service, Employment Specialists meet with businesses that match job seeker goals. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Integrated Services Graphic Messaging (Public)

IPS supported employment services are part of treatment. IPS employment specialists work alongside therapists, case managers, peers, and medication providers to support the whole person and their career goals.

Alt Text: Photo of a diverse group of people laughing together in an office setting. Text reads How can IPS supported employment work for you? Integrated Services. Job seekers collaborate with their entire care team to reach their career goals. #IPSWorks #IPSColorado

Tim's IPS Success Story

Tim shares how his employment journey and recovery lead him to become an IPS Employment Specialist with a unique perspective on the support he provides. This video was developed by the Colorado Office of Employment First and funded by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration.

Jakob's IPS Success Story

Jakob shares how IPS Services supports him in pursuing his dream job. This video was developed by the Colorado Office of Employment First and funded by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration.