Job Match and Job Tenure in Persons with Severe Mental Illness

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between job match and subsequent job tenure in clients with severe mental illness working in competitive employment. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 50 clients participating in a study investigating the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment. Clients obtained a competitive job at baseline or during the preceding six months and received follow-along services from IPS employment specialists. Job match was assessed using the Job Match Survey at baseline and employment outcomes were assessed monthly across the two year follow-up period. Overall, job match was correlated with months worked in the first job. The interest/enjoyment component of job match was most highly related to vocational outcomes. These findings suggest that supported employment services should focus on helping clients find a good job match in order to bolster job tenure outcomes.