Orygen has received funding to build a workforce to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program through headspace centres.
The Australian Government funding will support the growth and development of a sustainable workforce to support 50 headspace centres delivering the IPS program.
IPS integrates vocational support with clinical mental health care to focus on helping young people with mental ill-health return to work or study.
Working collaboratively with headspace national office and the Western Australian Association for Mental Health, Orygen will oversee the development and implementation of an IPS workforce development framework.
Gina Chinnery, associate director of employment and education partnerships at Orygen, said IPS was a world-leading evidence-based supported employment and education program.
“IPS is two to three times more effective than traditional vocational services in transitioning young people with mental ill-health into work and study.”
The Australian Government funded a trial of IPS in 14 headspace centres in 2016. The initiative has since been expanded, with 50 centres now funded to provide IPS.
“Research has shown that returning to work and study are major goals of young people experiencing mental ill-health,” Ms Chinnery said.
“Increasing IPS workforce availability, capacity and capability in headspace centres will go a long way to ensuring these goals are met.”