A 10-year Multisite Evaluation of an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Program Based in an Australian...

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a well-established evidence-based model of supported employment (Drake & Bond, 2023). This study aimed to examine program engagement and employment outcomes achieved in an IPS program based in an Australian community mental health service and identify differential employment patterns and opportunities for service development. IPS programs were in place at 9 community mental health service locations (4 rural/5 urban), with a governance model supporting program actualisation and monitoring. A multi-component evaluation comprising service-level data included: (i) routine monitoring of client-level characteristics, referral processes, caseload, and employment outcomes; (ii) quarterly reporting of referral patterns and targets. There were 1167 referrals during the 10-year evaluation period; the majority, 58% were male, the mean age was 33.9 years, and psychotic disorders were frequently reported (45.7%). Program engagement was substantial (mean = 1.5 years). Over a third, 36.3% obtained employment; retained for lengthy periods (mean = 45.5 weeks), 70.4% for 13 weeks or more (31.4% exiting as independent workers). Similar outcomes were attained regardless of age, gender, or diagnosis. Logistic regression analyses revealed the strongest predictor of employment (AOR = 3.20; p < 0.001) or vocational outcome (AOR = 2.20; p < 0.001) was associated with rural MHS-locations with fewer (1-3) employment consultants. Positive employment outcomes were demonstrated irrespective of diagnosis. Longitudinal outcomes suggest an increased likelihood of obtaining employment in rural locations and in programs with fewer employment consultants, providing insight into factors that may support IPS implementation in real-world settings.