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Reminder: October 1, 2023, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Will Include Individual Placement Support (IPS)

Date: 09/28/23

Effective October 1, 2023, Individual Placement Support (IPS) will be incorporated as a component of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT).

Employment services provided through ACT programming will follow the IPS model of supported employment. IPS is an evidence-based practice of supported employment for members with mental illness designed to enhance the quality of employment services and overall employment outcomes for members.

The ACT team will now include IPS specialist and IPS supervisor as part of their ACT teams to provide services. For more information, please view the Louisiana Medicaid Behavioral Health Services Manual.

Staffing requirements

At least one dedicated IPS specialist and an IPS supervisor comprise the employment unit. The requirements for IPS specialist and IPS supervisors are indicated as follows:

  • IPS specialist:
    • High school diploma is required
    • Two years post-high school experience in employment
    • One year experience working with people with severe mental illness
    • Successfully completed IPS training prior to providing services
    • Have current IPS certification or achieve certification within two years
  • IPS supervisor:
    • Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or mental health field is preferred; bachelor’s degree is required. Previous experience as an employment specialist is necessary.
    • Experience working with people with severe mental illness
    • At least one year experience in employment services
    • Successfully completed IPS training prior to providing services
    • Have current IPS certification or achieve certification within two years

Additional resources are located on our Provider Resource Page to submit updated roster information.