IEP Award EI (Employability for IPS Integration)
Program Overview
Our AwardEI is a comprehensive blended learning programme designed to equip Employability Practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality Connect to Work services.
Learners will engage in interactive sessions covering key aspects of IPS, including principles, service models, clinical integration, client and employer engagement, and job retention strategies. The hands-on application activities and learning journal will reinforce classroom learning, enabling practitioners to adapt and enhance their existing competencies in real-world settings.
By the end of the programme, practitioners will be well-prepared to support individuals in achieving sustainable employment outcomes, in line with the highest standards of IPS and SEQF fidelity.
Structure and Timings
8 half-day classroom sessions, complemented by practical work-based application activities and an assessed reflective learning journal.
Principles of IPS - ½ day
• Competitive Employment vs. Sheltered Work: Understand the benefits of competitive employment over sheltered work environments and how it aligns with the recovery model.
• Place-Then-Train Approach: Learn the rationale behind placing individuals in competitive jobs first and then providing training and support.
• The 8 Core Principles of IPS: Explore the fundamental principles that guide IPS practices, including focus on competitive employment, zero exclusion, and integration with mental health services.
• Understanding the IPS Fidelity Scale: Gain insights into the fidelity scale used to measure adherence to the IPS model and its importance in ensuring high-quality service delivery.
The IPS Service Model - ½ day
• The IPS Team and Vocational Unit: Understand the roles and responsibilities within the IPS team, including employment specialists and vocational generalists.
• Roles of Employment Services Staff: Explore the specific duties of employment services staff in supporting clients towards competitive employment.
• Vocational Generalists: Learn about the role of vocational generalists and their contribution to the IPS team.
• Managing Caseload Size: Understand the importance of maintaining manageable caseloads to provide effective support.
• Professional Collaboration: Explore strategies for effective collaboration between IPS teams and other service providers.
• IPS Supervision: Learn about the role of supervision in maintaining fidelity to the IPS model and supporting staff.
• Time Unlimited Support: Understand the concept of providing ongoing support to clients as long as they need it.
Clinical Integration - ½ day
• Integration Through Assignment: Learn how to integrate employment services with clinical teams through shared assignments and responsibilities.
• Integration Through Contact: Understand the importance of regular contact and communication between employment specialists and clinical teams.
• Zero Exclusion Principle: Explore the principle of zero exclusion, ensuring that all clients who want to work are eligible for IPS services.
• Agency Focus: Learn about the importance of having a clear agency focus on employment as a key outcome.
• Executive Level Support: Understand the role of executive leadership in supporting and promoting IPS services.
• Community-Based Services: Explore the benefits of providing IPS services within community settings.
• Assertive Engagement: Learn strategies for engaging clients assertively and maintaining their involvement in the IPS process.
Client Engagement - 2 x ½ day
• Vocational Profiling: Learn how to conduct comprehensive vocational profiles to understand clients’ strengths, preferences, and employment goals.
• Rapid Job Search: Understand the importance of initiating job searches quickly to capitalize on clients’ motivation.
• Benefits Counselling: Explore the role of benefits counselling in helping clients understand the financial implications of employment.
• Disclosure Strategies: Learn about the considerations and strategies for disclosing mental health conditions to employers.
• Individualized Job Search: Develop skills for creating and implementing personalized job search plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals.
Employer Engagement – 2 x ½ day
• Systematic Job Development Process: Learn the steps involved in developing job opportunities systematically and building relationships with employers.
• Maintaining Employer Contact Logs: Understand the importance of keeping detailed records of employer contacts and interactions.
• Field Mentoring: Explore the role of field mentoring in supporting employment specialists and enhancing employer engagement efforts.
Job Retention - ½ day
• Identifying and Removing Barriers to Work: Learn to identify common barriers to employment and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Providing In-Work Support: Understand the components of effective in-work support to help clients maintain employment.
• Completing the Service: Explore the steps involved in successfully completing IPS services and ensuring client satisfaction.
Pricing
Gold Award
Potential discounts for volume, smaller organisations, charities, not-for-profits and self-funders are available. Please contact learning@iemployability.org to discuss.
Unit Rate
£575 Plus VAT