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BEES researchers describe adapting IPS to help people with substance use disorders, behavioral‑health diagnoses and public‑benefit recipients find work
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Summary
Researchers leading the BEES project said they are testing whether Individual Placement and Support (IPS) can be adapted to help people with substance use disorder, behavioral‑health diagnoses, and recipients of TANF and SNAP access steady employment. Presenters emphasized IPS's "no exclusions" policy, employer outreach, and practical supports such as transportation and peer staff.
A presenter for the BEES project said the study is testing whether Individual Placement and Support (IPS) can be adapted to reach new groups of jobseekers, including people with substance use disorders, behavioral‑health diagnoses, and recipients of public benefits such as TANF and SNAP.
"Finding employment can be difficult for many people, including those with barriers like substance use disorder or mental health diagnoses," S1 (Presenter) said, introducing the study and its goals. The project partners named in the presentation were AbtGlobal, MEF Associates and MDRC, which the presenter said are examining IPS for these populations.
Why it matters: IPS is an evidence‑based model developed in the 1970s by Deborah Becker and Robert Drake that has been shown to increase employment for people with serious mental illness. BEES leaders said they aim to collect data on IPS adaptations so other centers and programs can implement the model for people with a wider range of barriers to work.
Presenters described core IPS practices as highly individualized supports. "At its core, IPS is really about identifying the person — what are their strengths? What are their weaknesses?" S4 (Presenter) said, summarizing how IPS matches job opportunities to participant needs. Staff member S5 said IPS staff work with clients from initial intake through resume building and interview preparation.
Speakers highlighted concrete supports that go beyond typical job placement. S6 (Staff member) recounted helping a client with new tires and engine repairs so the client could drive about 20 miles to a job where public transit was unavailable. Another presenter said employment specialists "connect with employers in the community to vouch for clients," making employers more comfortable hiring participants.
Eligibility and staffing: Presenters emphasized that BEES‑adapted IPS follows a "no exclusions" approach. "No exclusion just means that there's nothing that disqualifies for a person from utilizing IPS services," S9 (Presenter) said, describing eligibility as not limited by criminal history, disabilities, or current circumstances. Presenters also said hiring staff with lived experience can build rapport; S10 (Presenter) described telling clients, "I have bipolar disorder and I have ADHD," to share techniques that helped in interviews.
Research plan and outcomes: Presenters said BEES will share findings intended to inform policy and practice. A staff member summed up the desired outcome: "A very successful intervention would be my participants finding their confidence," S11 (Staff member) said, noting resume improvements and better interview skills as tangible indicators.
The presentation focused on program design and hoped results rather than formal decisions or funding commitments. Speakers said BEES will produce evidence to guide implementation, and that dissemination of findings is a planned next step.
