What is IPS and why is it important to people with mental health concerns?

1 Oct 2025

“A job can mean social inclusion and belonging, a daily routine, a way to build confidence and the dignity of making a valued contribution to your community,” says employment specialist Chalotte Hope-Potter.

“It also gives you the means to financially support yourself and your family, and is of course important for housing and food security.

“Depending on your situation, it can literally be the difference between feeling like you are part of society, or instead being ‘stuck on the sidelines’ in isolation every day,” Charlotte says.

She and colleague Debolina run a free support service - Individual Placement and Support, or IPS - to help people with mental health concerns find and maintain employment while managing their mental wellbeing. 

Operated by St John of God Health Care, the service is located at Midland Medicare Mental Health Centre and accessible by clients of the Mirrabooka or Midland centres.

What is IPS?

“IPS helps people with mental health barriers to find and, importantly, keep a job they love,” says Charlotte.

“Clients of Midland and Mirrabooka Medicare Mental Health Centres – free  community mental health centres in Perth’s north east - are able to assess together with their case manager if it is a good time in their mental health journey to re-join the workforce,” she says.

“If so, Debolina or I will step in and identify with the client their vocational goals.”

How can an employment specialist help me?

IPS can support you to:

• Connect with potential employers.
• Find training, education or skills development to increase your chances of finding work.
• Make a change in career direction.
• Get back into a job after a long time away from the workforce.

What does it involve?

Our employment specialists will help you:

• Look at skills and/or training you need to be job-ready and assist with the application process.
• Create or update a resume and cover letter.
• Look for suitable jobs that inspire you.
• Help you prepare for an interview.
• If needed, talk with your new employer about your mental health barriers so they can task you appropriately and ensure you feel safe at work.
• Support you as you start your new job.
• Provide ongoing job support to keep you mentally well and employed.

The service is part of an Australian Government pilot of IPS at selected adult mental health centres across Australia, aimed at improving the health and financial wellbeing of clients through participation in employment.

Charlotte says the benefits of IPS for both employers and employees are numerous.

“Apart from the inclusion and self-esteem benefits for employees, employers are likely to gain a motivated and loyal employee who adds to the diversity of the workplace,” she says.

“With a meaningful role for a client to make their own and the support of an IPS employment specialist, the effects can often be profound for both the employee and the workplace.”

To find out more, or if you think you may have a suitable role at your business for an IPS client, email [email protected] or phone 1800 161 178.