Strengthening the IPS workforce

This article describes the development of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Workforce Development Framework. The framework aims to address challenges in IPS workforce availability, capacity, and capability in headspace centres across Australia, with the goal of improving vocational recovery outcomes for young people with mental ill-health. 

The workforce assessment that was conducted revealed capability gaps, variations in recruitment practices, concerns about career pathways, and staff retention issues. Considerable diversity in vocational specialists’ backgrounds and experience, along with a lack of clearly defined competencies for the role, was also apparent. 

In response, an IPS Competency Framework was developed outlining six core competency domains and four foundational values necessary for IPS vocational specialists working with young people with mental ill-health. The framework defines flexible, scalable strategies such as training and credentialing, peer-to-peer learning, strengthening recruitment processes and career pathways aligned to the identified competencies. The article notes ongoing evaluation will be necessary to refine the implementation of the framework and improve IPS delivery for young people.