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Ethnographic findings from the Washington, D.C., Vocational Services Study
E Quimby1, R E Drake, D R Becker
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Howard University, 2441 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20059, USA. equimby@howard.edu
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal
|June 16, 2001
Summary
Implementing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for supported employment programs presents challenges. Key issues include conflicting priorities and integrating vocational services with clinical treatment for clients with complex needs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Community mental health organizations often lack integrated vocational services.
- The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is an assertive, manualized approach to supported employment.
- Implementing new programs in established clinical settings can present unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and document implementation dilemmas of the IPS program.
- To understand challenges in integrating vocational rehabilitation with clinical treatment.
- To explore the experiences of clients and staff during program implementation.
Main Methods:
- Ethnographic substudy utilizing participant observation and interviews.
- Data collected over a 20-month period.
- Involved individuals receiving services, employment specialists, and clinicians.
Main Results:
- Observed dilemmas centered on conflicting expectations and priorities between clients and staff.
- Diverse perceptions regarding the role and importance of work were identified.
- Difficulties arose in seamlessly integrating vocational rehabilitation services with existing clinical interventions.
Conclusions:
- Successful implementation of IPS requires addressing conflicting priorities and diverse work perceptions.
- Effective integration of vocational and clinical services is crucial for program success.
- Further research is needed to refine strategies for supporting individuals with extensive histories of homelessness and dual diagnosis in employment programs.