Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Christine Fleming, Ph.D. CRC, Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling, Center for Disability Research and Policy Studies, Auburn University, 215 S. Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. Tel.: +1 334 844 2077; Fax: +1 334 844 2008; E-mail: clf0006@auburn.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of Supported Employment (SE) is an evidence-based practice that leads to an increase in successful employment outcomes for people with serious mental illness (Bond, Drake, & Becker, 2008). The practical application and implementation of this practice, however, is limited in the Southeastern region of the United States. OBJECTIVE:This study examined the perceptions held by and practices used by mental health professionals regarding the employment of individuals with serious mental illness at two sites in Alabama. METHODS:The two sites yielded 79 participants, including clinicians and case managers, who responded to the Health Professional Perceptions of Employment Survey - Revised. Analysis of the quantitative data was completed using an independent samples t-test, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The qualitative data was analyzed for common themes based on survey responses. RESULTS:A statistically significant relationship was identified that supports the connection between perceptions and practices of mental health professionals related to the employment of people with serious mental illness. CONCLUSIONS:Mental health professionals’ attitudes toward employment affects their consideration of employment for their clients, which will help or hinder the clients’ vocational progress and recovery.
Keywords: Individual placement and support, supported employment, individuals with
serious mental illness, vocational rehabilitation
