Alliance's IPS Team Nominated for a 2026 SHRM-Memphis HR Excellence Award
The Memphis employment team helps people living with mental health conditions find good jobs, know their rights at work, and keep growing after they are hired.
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team at Alliance Healthcare Services has been nominated for a 2026 SHRM-Memphis HR Excellence Award, in the HR Team Excellence category for small teams. SHRM-Memphis will celebrate its nominees on Thursday, November 12, at Ducks Unlimited in Memphis.
The award, according to SHRM-Memphis, celebrates "outstanding HR teams that make a difference for their people and their organizations."
"The SHRM nomination means so much to our team because, although we are a small department, the impact of the work we do through IPS is bigger than many people realize," said Delphany Bond, IPS Team Lead.
"This recognition reminds us that every connection, every opportunity, and every individual we help move toward employment or education makes a difference and that even a small team can create a lasting impact in our community!"
HR support, from the employee's side
IPS is not Alliance's human resources department. It is an employment program for adults receiving outpatient mental health care at Alliance.
Still, much of its work will sound familiar to any HR professional. Most people first learn about benefits, workplace policies, and accommodations after they are hired. IPS Employment Specialists help clients work through those same questions, one person at a time:
Benefit education: Understanding health insurance, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave
Job applications: Completing applications, preparing resumes, and submitting employment documents
Interview preparation: Practicing interview skills and building confidence
Workplace support: Understanding employer expectations, workplace policies, and communication
Employee rights: Learning about reasonable accommodations, workplace protections, and how to self-advocate
Job retention: Addressing workplace challenges, solving problems, and staying employed
Career development: Exploring advancement, additional education, and long-term career goals
Benefits counseling: Connecting with benefits specialists to understand how income may affect SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other public assistance
"IPS provides individualized employment support by helping clients navigate the hiring process, understand workplace expectations and employee benefits, advocate for their needs, and develop the skills and resources necessary to obtain and maintain competitive employment," said Bond.
Bond became nationally credentialed as a Credentialed Employment Support Professional (CESP) this year.
"Employment really makes a difference for those we serve," said Laurie Powell, CEO of Alliance Healthcare Services.
Work is part of recovery
IPS is an evidence-based model built on a simple belief: employment is a part of recovery, not a reward for it.
Clients choose the goal. The job search starts with what each person wants to do.
The jobs are real. IPS focuses on community jobs that pay at least minimum wage and are not set aside for people with disabilities.
There are no readiness tests. Clients do not need a certain diagnosis, work history, or high school diploma.
Support has no time limit. Employment Specialists stay involved after a person is hired, for as long as that person wants or needs help.
Connect with IPS
IPS is based at our Peabody Avenue Clinic and is open to Shelby County adults who receive outpatient mental health care at Alliance and want to work.
Current Alliance clients: Refer yourself or ask your provider for a referral. To get started, email IPS@alliance-hs.org or download the IPS referral form.
Not yet an Alliance client? Call (901) 369-1410 to get connected to outpatient care first.
Want to know more? Learn more about IPS.
This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
About Alliance Healthcare Services
Alliance Healthcare Services is the largest comprehensive behavioral health provider in Shelby County, Tennessee, serving more than 14,000 residents annually. A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), Alliance provides mental health care, addiction recovery, crisis services, and community programs, including the Crisis Wellness Center and Children & Youth Crisis Wellness Center. For more information, call (901) 369-1410 or visit Alliance-HS.org.
Media Contact:
Daniel McGarry
Marketing Director, Alliance Healthcare Services
dmcgarry@alliance-hs.org | (901) 413-5543
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