IPS Program Earns Top State Recognition

North Central Health Care’s Community Treatment IPS Program Achieves Exemplary Status and Earns Statewide Recognition

NCHC’s Community Treatment Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program has been recognized at the highest level in Wisconsin, earning an exemplary fidelity rating and multiple statewide awards for its outstanding impact in helping individuals achieve meaningful employment.

IPS is an evidence-based employment model designed to support individuals experiencing severe mental illness and substance use disorders in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment and pursuing career-based education. NCHC’s IPS team serves both youth and adults across the tri-county region, helping individuals reach their vocational goals while supporting their recovery journeys.

Employment plays a critical role in recovery, offering a renewed sense of purpose, increased independence, and improved quality of life. NCHC’s IPS program is dedicated to connecting individuals with meaningful work opportunities and educational pathways that foster long-term success.

Each year, the State of Wisconsin conducts a comprehensive IPS fidelity review, evaluating programs across 25 categories to measure adherence to the evidence-based model. Higher scores reflect stronger program quality and are closely linked to better employment outcomes.

In 2025, NCHC achieved a score placing the program in the “exemplary” category, one of only three programs in the state to reach this distinction.

In addition to this achievement, NCHC was awarded the highest employment rate in Wisconsin at 59%, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in helping individuals secure and sustain employment.

Individual recognition was also awarded to Kevin Traeder, IPS Employment Specialist serving Marathon County youth and adult teams. Traeder was one of only three professionals in the state to receive the prestigious “Be an Expert Employment Specialist” award, recognizing exceptional performance, dedication, and impact in the field.

“These achievements reflect the dedication of our IPS team and the strength of our community partnerships,” said Vicki Tylka, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services “We are proud to support individuals in reaching their goals and building meaningful, independent lives.”

NCHC remains committed to providing high-quality, person-centered services and continuing collaboration with community partners to support individuals on their path to recovery and employment success.