Supporting People with Health Conditions Into Work: Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

Discover the key IPS principles and best practices for employment specialists

Free upgrade for UK NHS staff

A free upgrade for this course is available for NHS staff by registering here. This upgrade is also available free to NHS-affiliated staff. Check eligibility.

Studies have shown that although 90% of people with severe mental illness want to work, only 8% are actually working. Employment specialists who deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) work to change this.

On this course, you will learn how IPS is an effective way of supporting those with mental health and other health problems into paid employment and why it’s important. You will explore the role of the employment specialist, and learn the main IPS principles and best practices to help your clients reach their full potential, and feel supported throughout their employment journey.

Getting your certificate

You can extend your access to the course by upgrading your FutureLearn access and this is free of charge to NHS employees (and those directly contracted to provide NHS services) in England. The upgrade means that you’ll receive a certificate on successful completion of the course as well as unlimited access to the sessions and materials.

To upgrade, please check the eligibility criteria.

If eligible, you can upgrade here.

This course is designed for both new and experienced employment specialists who wish to support their clients to reach their potential by implementing best practice IPS.

The course is also relevant for clinical teams working with individuals with health conditions, and anyone considering a career supporting people with ill health back into work.

This course is designed for both new and experienced employment specialists who wish to support their clients to reach their potential by implementing best practice IPS.

The course is also relevant for clinical teams working with individuals with health conditions, and anyone considering a career supporting people with ill health back into work.

• Explore why employment is so important to mental health
• Explore how Individual Placement and Support (IPS) helps clients back to work
• Identify what the role of Employment Specialist involves
• Discuss how Employment Specialists can deliver IPS most effectively, to help clients reach their potential