Individual Placement and Support Program and the Digital Work and Study Service

The Department of Social Services (the department) funds the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program and the Digital Work and Study Service (DWSS). These programs help people with mental health challenges achieve their work or study goals. One-on-one support is provided through:

A formal diagnosis is not required to access these programs. The decision that a person has a mental illness can be established by centre clinical staff.

headspace centre work and study support for young people

headspace centre work and study for young people is delivered in 50 headspace centres across Australia. To access headspace Work and Study, you need to:

  • be a young person with a mental illness aged 12 to 25 years
  • be an eligible client of headspace
  • have work, study or training goals and be facing barriers to achieving these goals
  • be willing to participate in the service
  • be able to make an informed decision to participate.

headspace work and study specialists provide one-on-one support and collaborate with your mental health workers. Support continues for as long as you need it, even after you achieve your goals.

There are many ways this program can help you:

  • look for and apply for jobs
  • write job applications or a resume
  • prepare for a job interview
  • transition into a new job or training course
  • look at different study options
  • enrol in a course
  • navigate community support systems and government agencies such as Services Australia
  • balance mental health and wellbeing with work and study.

Six headspace centres are also piloting the use of peer workers to provide support to young people accessing work or study support. Peer workers have lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery while looking for work or studying. They work with headspace staff, other health workers, and members of the local community to support you to reach your work and study goals.

headspace online work and study support for young people

headspace online work and study is delivered by web chat, video conferencing, email and phone to young people with a mental illness aged 15 to 25 years.

Online work and study can help you to overcome employment barriers, build confidence and find work or study in an area that interests you. You can also:

  • connect with a headspace Work and Study specialist
  • access online resources
  • talk to other young people in group chats
  • get one-on-one support from a mental health clinician

Head to Health centre work and study support for adults

Head to Health centre work and study for adults is delivered in Midland, WA and Darwin, NT. To access Head to Health work and study you need to:

  • be an adult experiencing mental ill health
  • be an eligible client of a participating Head to Health centre
  • have work, study or training goals
  • be willing to participate in the service
  • be able to make an informed decision to participate.

Work and study support for adults can connect you with potential employers or help you find study options to increase your chance of finding work. The program can also help you to get back into work or support you to change your career.

Other ways work and study for adults can help you:

  • create or update a resume and cover letter
  • help you prepare for an interview
  • talk with your new employer to help you feel safe at work
  • support you as you start your new job
  • provide ongoing job support to keep you mentally well and employed.

IPS and DWSS resources

Locations

Guidelines

Evaluation

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