Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch – Community Based Services (YBGR-CBS) offers Individual Placement and Support Services (IPS) to youth in Yellowstone County. IPS is funded by a grant through the state of Montana.
What is the main goal of IPS?
The main goal of the IPS program is to expose the youth to competitive employment in a meaningful and informative way. The program takes an evidence-based approach to empower youth to live healthy, productive lives despite their mental illnesses.
What are the benefits of IPS?
- Build positive rapport with Employment Specialist
- Customize services for each youth
- Recognize and build on youth’s skills, interests and accomplishments
- Create resumes
- Explore community resources
- Practice social cues and skills
- Apply for employment
- Meet potential employers
- Learn interview skills
- Obtain and maintain competitive employment
- Gain self-esteem, confidence and independence
- Provide job supports such as advocating and coaching
- No time limit for IPS services
- Promote earning a high school education, attending college, or completing any program beyond high school
- Employment Specialists are part of the treatment team
- Use skills and the ability to obtain employment without Employment Specialist
- Noticed decrease in anxiety, depression, oppositional behavior. substance use, suicidal ideation, and self-sabotaging behaviors.
- Noticed increase in social skills, self-esteem, independence, mood regulation, confidence, life skills and job skills.