The Long-Term Treatment of Drug Addiction and Unemployment

Before obtaining competitive employment, participants will be able to earn wage supplements for attending two individual placement and support (IPS) supported employment sessions per week, and for completing specific tasks prescribed by IPS including developing a worker profile, applying for appropriate jobs, and completing job interviews. Once a participant becomes employed, participants will be able to earn up to $5 per hour for every hour worked in a competitive job up to 40 hours per week verified by pay stubs. To maintain long-term drug abstinence, participants will be required to provide urine samples to earn the maximum in wage supplements.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) supported employment involves rapid job search, promotes competitive employment, considers the participant's preferences, and provides job supports and benefits counseling. An employment specialist will establish relationships will potential employers and work with participants to identify potential jobs, prepare applications, and to apply for positions.