A woman with long black hair is on the left, seated at a wooden table, gesturing towards two men sitting across from her. She has a laptop open and a beige handbag placed on the back of the chair. The setting is a cozy indoor area with brick walls, large windows, and some wall art. The men are holding papers and engaging attentively.

Alicia Bailey meets with members

Meet Our Job Placement Experts

November 2025

Securing a job can be a profound moment for individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. And through our job placement services, our staff is there to support them every step of the way.

Alicia Bailey is one of our IPS Employment Specialists who assists our mental health clients in finding employment. She conducts mock interviews with them, helps them build resumes and regularly meets with employers in her clients’ communities to inquire about available opportunities.

“You’re the first face employers see,” Alicia said. “You’re creating a relationship with them, so they can trust you and give someone the opportunity to work in their establishment.”

Our employment programs are designed to support member choice, independence and inclusion, giving members the chance to develop collaboration skills and a sense of self-confidence. Alicia acknowledged that stigma around mental health has proven to be a barrier with certain companies. But she believes persistence is key and has learned to navigate each challenge.

“I put a lot of investment in my clients because I want them to succeed,” she said.

A portrait of a man against a white background

For our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Rod Moyer provides similar support. Since starting his role as Job Placement Program Director last year, the number of members who achieved 90 days of community employment, according to State of Illinois guidelines, has nearly tripled.

“These are regular jobs, where members are competing against everyone else,” Rod said. “We do not offer supported employment or specialty employment situations. It is a privilege to walk them through this experience, many for the first time ever in their lives.”

Like Alicia, Rod often goes above and beyond to ensure members feel comfortable in their new roles. When member Rory was offered his first job by the Chicago White Sox, Rod also temporarily joined the team to personally train Rory.

“That is what we do – look to remove barriers that can prevent our members from attaining or maintaining community employment,” he said. “Advocating to help others is part of my core.”