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Individuals were recruited for the study if they (1) were served by a mental health treatment team with a designated IPS team, (2) had no competitive employment during the three months before recruitment, (3) received no prior IPS job or support services, (4) had a severe mental illness, (5) were older than 18, (6) expressed interest in competitive employment, (7) had a self-disclosed history of arrest or incarceration, (8) had no pending criminal charges, (9) attended two informational groups, and (10) could give informed consent. Forty-five individuals were randomly assigned to the IPS intervention group, and 45 individuals were randomly assigned to the comparison Work Choice group. Evaluators completed analyses at the individual level.
The study enrolled participants between February 2011 and July 2012. The intervention was studied over a 12-month period.
The study was funded by grant H133G100110 from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Thresholds, a large psychiatric rehabilitation agency.
IPS is a well-established program for helping people with severe mental illness attain employment.
IPS employment specialists provided supported employment to individuals with severe mental illness and a history of arrest or incarceration. The IPS model provided the intervention group with individualized job searches based on participant preferences, a vocational assessment and rapid job search, job development, and optional interview accompaniment. Employment specialists were full time and received ongoing consultation from a senior IPS trainer during the study, as well as a daylong training on criminal justice issues.
The comparison group received services through Work Choice, a job club model for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. This model facilitated self-led job searches, resume preparation, interview practice, and word-of-mouth job leads. Work Choice staff helped participants with finding jobs and applying online through weekly classes on application procedures, job search strategies, and linkage services.
None.
The authors do not specify the length of time over which a typical participant received IPS or Work Choice services.
Not known
The study took place in the Chicago area. Thresholds, a large psychiatric rehabilitation agency, provided services.