IPS Supported Employment
Work can be a big boost to a person’s recovery. Not only does a job help pay the bills, it can also provide a person with a sense of pride and belonging. Having a job adds structure to daily life, increases social contacts and support, and enhances opportunities for personal achievement.
In partnership with the Department of Human Services - Vocational Rehabilitation and our network of community providers, TDMHSAS offers services in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment model. People receive assistance in obtaining employment, and once employed, supports are provided to assist in maintaining the job. This program is provided in 58 counties across Tennessee, 43 of which are in rural areas of the state, and 15 in urban areas. There are 18 IPS supported employment providers, 15 of which partner with DHS/VR to deliver IPS services. Through this program, people have obtained a variety of jobs from nursing, lifeguards, to warehouse workers.
58
Total
Tennessee
Counties
18
IPS Supported
Employment
Providers
1,864
People
Served
In FY25
+16%
Year Over Year
Increase in
Tennesseans
Served
29.3
Average Hours
Worked Per
Week
In fiscal year 2025, IPS Supported Employment teams served 1,864 people (16% increase year over year), 388 of which were transition-aged youth. Forty-two percent of those supported found a job and 51 percent of those who began working did so for 90 days or more. One of the goals of the TN IPS Community is to expand the availability of this service to all 95 counties in Tennessee.
Download our 2024 Employment Works Report at this link.
The interactive map below shows counties served and provider locations.
| County | Provider | Street Address | City | State | Zip | Phone |
|---|
How IPS Supported Employment Works for People