For many people living with severe mental illness, an important recovery goal is to be productively employed in a meaningful position. However, finding appropriate employment and maintaining it while living with a mental illness can be challenging.

Places for People provides Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help people with severe mental illness get and maintain competitive jobs. Research demonstrates that IPS, an evidence-based practice, is the most effective way to assist and support competitive employment in the community for people with severe mental illnesses.

Support provided to clients seeking employment by PfP's vocational specialists includes:

• Assistance with job searching
• Assistance with resume development
• Assistance with job applications
• Skill building and education to develop coping skills
• Counseling about and assistance to access appropriate benefits
• Ongoing support during employment to maintain position

This program is designed to meet employers' needs, as well as clients' needs. Accordingly, PfP's vocational specialists reach out to prospective/current employers to address employers' needs, including:

• Matching qualified candidates to open positions
• Providing assistance identifying appropriate accommodations
• Educating on tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities
• Providing on-site support if needed
• Educating staff about mental illness

For more information about this program, please contact Michelle Fassler at 314-772-8801 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .