Practice Points
Find jobs that support recovery
Assist with Money Management
Consider each person’s stage of recovery from substance use when developing a money management plan, or budget. People in later stages of recovery may feel ready to assume more responsibly for income they earn from their job.
Assist people with plans to manage paychecks.
Offer to assist with plans to manage paychecks, for example, shopping on payday, use of a payee, auto deposit of the paycheck, or use of their income to support other goals.
Support persons who feel ready to assume more work responsibilities.
Some people might be interested in better apartments, buying extra things for their children or other financial goals that would reduce the availability of cash for substances.
Foster Hope and Self-Efficacy
Identify accomplishments, celebrate them, and continue to point out the person’s accomplishments along the way.
Talk to clients about long-term goals including career development plans.
Offer to help all clients who have co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders with employment, regardless of perceived barriers, focusing on what they can do versus what they cannot.
View setbacks as learning experiences and offer ongoing assistance with employment goals.
START
Refrain from disclosure of information about substance use to prospective employers. Instead, use techniques to try to ensure that substance use will not affect the job.
Help people consider the possible benefits and risks of occupations that have a high incidence of substance use on the job, for instance, construction and food service.
Talk to each person and the treatment team about the person’s pattern of use when developing an employment plan. For instance, if someone is not interested in reducing substance use and tends to use in the evening, an employment specialist might help the person think about afternoon jobs. On the other hand, someone who is actively trying to avoid substances might prefer a job during the time of day that they typically use in order to have a replacement activity.
Support client choice in regard to applying for jobs that test for substances. Use failed tests as an opportunity to develop discrepancy.
IPS Practice Points
Iowa CEBH
Created on November 25, 2025
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Transcript
Practice Points
Find jobs that support recovery
Assist with Money Management
Consider each person’s stage of recovery from substance use when developing a money management plan, or budget. People in later stages of recovery may feel ready to assume more responsibly for income they earn from their job.
Assist people with plans to manage paychecks.
Offer to assist with plans to manage paychecks, for example, shopping on payday, use of a payee, auto deposit of the paycheck, or use of their income to support other goals.
Support persons who feel ready to assume more work responsibilities.
Some people might be interested in better apartments, buying extra things for their children or other financial goals that would reduce the availability of cash for substances.
Foster Hope and Self-Efficacy
Identify accomplishments, celebrate them, and continue to point out the person’s accomplishments along the way.
Talk to clients about long-term goals including career development plans.
Offer to help all clients who have co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders with employment, regardless of perceived barriers, focusing on what they can do versus what they cannot.
View setbacks as learning experiences and offer ongoing assistance with employment goals.
START
Refrain from disclosure of information about substance use to prospective employers. Instead, use techniques to try to ensure that substance use will not affect the job.
Help people consider the possible benefits and risks of occupations that have a high incidence of substance use on the job, for instance, construction and food service.
Talk to each person and the treatment team about the person’s pattern of use when developing an employment plan. For instance, if someone is not interested in reducing substance use and tends to use in the evening, an employment specialist might help the person think about afternoon jobs. On the other hand, someone who is actively trying to avoid substances might prefer a job during the time of day that they typically use in order to have a replacement activity.
Support client choice in regard to applying for jobs that test for substances. Use failed tests as an opportunity to develop discrepancy.