IPS-coach's week

IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is a work coaching model that originated in the United States. It is a scientifically proven and effective method for supporting the employment and work reintegration of people with partial work ability, particularly those recovering from mental health challenges.

Welcome to follow my workweek as an IPS coach in vocational rehabilitation. Every day is different, which makes the job both interesting and suitably challenging.

Monday

The week begins with a visit to meet one of my clients who has already found employment. The meeting is downtown, so I grab a coffee on my way and walk through the slowly awakening Helsinki morning. In the IPS model, client support does not end once employment is achieved — quite the opposite. Both the client’s and the employer’s need for support are assessed individually. Today, my help isn’t needed, but it’s wonderful to see my client thriving in a new job. There are still some mood-related symptoms, but they hardly affect performance in this meaningful and motivating work environment.

Back at the office, I continue my day planning the week and meeting other clients. My calendar adapts constantly to my clients’ situations and needs. One wants to reschedule, another has been invited to a job interview and requests a quick coaching session. For a coach, the calendar is an essential tool for organizing independent work, it supports structure while allowing flexibility throughout the week.

Tuesday

Today I’m meeting a client I’ve worked with for a long time, but whose job search continues. The goal of IPS coaching is to help clients return to work as soon as possible, but the speed varies depending on the field, season, labor market situation, education, work experience, health, and many other factors. Some opportunities come quickly, while others take time.

IPS coaching is often a long-term process where both successes and disappointments are shared. As a coach, it’s important to trust the process. Despite my own moments of frustration, I encourage my client and reinforce the belief that the right job is just around the corner. This work requires tolerance for uncertainty, self-management, and a relaxed mindset. Job searching also demands creativity and the ability to think innovatively.

During our meeting, we brainstorm new options and find an interesting job opportunity “outside the box.” My client is intrigued, so I contact the employer. The situation takes a positive turn when the employer replies the same day, and we manage to schedule an interview. We agree to attend the interview together, another special feature of the IPS model. I get to support my clients through each stage of the process.

Wednesday

In the morning, I head to meet a client at their work trial placement. One of the best parts of my job is getting to know different workplaces. It’s not only fascinating but also invaluable for keeping my understanding of the labor market up to date, learning about employer expectations, skill needs, and work environments firsthand.

The work placement didn’t start without challenges, and I’ve helped adapt the tasks to better fit my client’s health. My client was initially hesitant to talk about their challenges, which is common and understandable. Discussing mental health issues can be difficult, often due to past negative experiences or stigma. As an IPS coach, I encourage openness, after all, an employer can’t offer support if they don’t know where it’s needed.

Together with my clients, I often discuss important and deeply personal topics such as illness, identity, and how to communicate challenges at work. A guiding principle is that illness does not define a person nor diminish their competence or professionalism.

IPS coaches also support employers when needed. Job adaptations and conversations about work ability are areas where coaches are often welcomed as partners. Today, I’m delighted to see how much can be achieved through openness and collaboration between the client, supervisor, and coach. If the work trial continues successfully, my client may soon transition into paid employment.

Thursday

The main task of the day is a network meeting with my client’s healthcare team. We meet shortly beforehand and walk together to the clinic. As a coach, I manage my schedule so that my own workload doesn’t show, the meeting should always feel calm and safe, even when difficult topics are discussed. Since the network meeting is my top priority today, I arrange the rest of my workday flexibly around it.

As an IPS coach, I aim to be an active part of the client’s network, with their consent, of course. My background in mental health work helps me understand the situation from the healthcare perspective, while my IPS role keeps the focus on employment. Together, we agree: the goal is work, achieved through small but steady steps.

After the meeting, I reflect on how such an ordinary conversation can touch upon major, life-changing issues. Our actions can significantly influence someone’s direction in life, but is that direction the one the client truly wants? As an IPS coach, I must constantly reflect on my own role and the power dynamics involved in the client relationship. The IPS model emphasizes the client’s own wishes, dreams, and motivation. Their agency always comes first.

Friday

Today I’m working remotely from my home office. My to-do list includes typical but important IPS coaching tasks: searching for job opportunities, calling employed clients to check in, and documenting updates. I review next week’s calendar and plan my schedule. The best thing about remote work is my own coffee machine and the deep flow state that’s easy to reach when there are no interruptions. Time flies.

IPS coaching is both independent and demanding work. We meet clients in difficult life situations, listen, offer hope, and help them strengthen their sense of self-efficacy and belief in the future. We help solve financial issues, improve job-seeking skills, collaborate with different stakeholders, provide workplace support, and connect with potential employers.

Most importantly, though, we listen. Clients’ health challenges are diverse, but the common denominator is the need to be seen and heard. These encounters are rewarding yet can be emotionally draining. Coaches must take care of their own well-being, too. When workplace structures support well-being and balance is maintained in everyday life, the work remains meaningful, even as a new week begins.

Written by Alexandra Malanin, IPS Coach at Spring House, part of the StaffPoint Group.