Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)

Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations:

361.45(b)(2) The individualized plan for employment must be designed to achieve a specific employment outcome, that is selected by the individual consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. 

361.45(d)(2) The individualized plan for employment is developed and implemented in a manner that gives eligible individuals the opportunity to exercise informed choice. For more information, see Rule 72 002.08

361.45(d)(5) The individualized plan for employment is reviewed at least annually by a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor and the eligible individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative to assess the eligible individual's progress in achieving the identified employment outcome.  For more information see VRIS IPE Annual Review

361.45(d)(6) The individualized plan for employment is amended, as necessary, by the individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative, in collaboration with a representative of the State unit or a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor (or to the extent determined to be appropriate by the individual), if there are substantive changes in the employment outcome, the vocational rehabilitation services to be provided, or the providers of the vocational rehabilitation services. For more information see VRIS IPE Amendment

361.45(e) Standards for developing the individualized plan for employment: The individualized plan for employment must be developed as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days after the date of determination of eligibility, unless the State unit and the eligible individual agree to the extension of that deadline to a specific date by which the individualized plan for employment must be completed. These are mandated by law and cannot be waived by either the client or the agency. For more information see VRIS IPE Extension

Rule 72

002.07B Before approving a recipient's Individualized Plan for Employment, authorized staff consider:

002.07B1. The availability of employment opportunities in the specific employment outcome in the recipient's local labor market or a labor market to which the recipient has indicated his or her willingness to relocate.

002.07B2. The consistency between employer requirements for educational level, type of preparation and relevant work experience in the specific employment outcome and the recipient's educational level, type of preparation, and work experience.

002.07B3. The consistency between employer's wage and benefits in the specific employment outcome and the recipient's needs to meet necessary cost of living, rehabilitation technology, impairment related work expenses, and health care and impairment treatment.

002.07B4. The consistency between typical work environment in the specific employment outcome and the recipient's work interest, values, and needs.

002.07B5. The consistency between the essential functions typically performed in the specific employment outcome and the recipient's functional abilities. 

002.07B6. The recipient's ability to benefit from the specific vocational rehabilitation services included in the plan to the degree necessary to resolve all inconsistencies in Sections 002.07B2 through 002.07B5 of the chapter. 

Lawfully authorized to work: VR will only serve clients who are authorized to work. This is for all individuals, citizens, and non-citizens alike. This verification is consistent with the I-9 required work documents and required no later than IPE approval or participation in an On-the-Job Evaluation (OJE), Work Based Learning Experience (WBLE), and/or Trial Work Experience (TWE). VR can authorize for these documents, if needed, after eligibility (QE2 Career Planning-Other) or when utilizing a TWE (Eligibility-Other Assistance). Non-citizens will also be verified through USCS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. 

Nebraska Revised Statute §32‐310 requires Nebraska VR provide the opportunity to individuals with a disability to register to vote. Follow the steps outlined in the Program Manual Chapter: Assisting Individuals with Disabilities to Register to Vote. This opportunity must be offered at the time an individual:

• Applies for services 
• Participates in an annual review 
• Notifies VR of an address change

Client Assistance Program (CAP): Nebraska VR must provide the CAP information to clients during the application process, when developing the individualized plan for employment, case closure or at any time the client disagrees with a VR final decision.

Nebraska VR: Alcohol or drug abuse (including marijuana): Use Best Practices Guide:  https://vris.nebraska.gov/wiki/pages/B5h0v8U9M/VR_Guides_&_Resources.html 

VR will not provide employment related services and supports to an individual who is actively using. There needs to be a discussion of the vocational issues potentially affected by drug and/or alcohol use/abuse to determine the next steps: 

• Assess progress toward abstinence:
• How has the alcohol and/or drug use negatively affected work (finding, preparing for and maintaining employment)
• Consider the steps the client is making to establish abstinence (treatment/recovery programs, AA/NA, sponsorship)
• What is the recovery plan and the assessment of adequate progress toward recovery?
• Discuss relevant vocational issues:
  • May affect ability to benefit from VR Services.
  • Potential consequences of substance use.
  • Implication of not passing a drug screen.
  • Discuss community resource options for recovery and support groups.
• Assess whether adequate progress toward plan development/career planning is occurring.  This should be a factor for decision-making regarding keeping a case open or case closure.
  • Consumer showing up for VR appointments under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Missing VR appointments regularly due to alcohol or drug use.
  • Client reporting actively using alcohol or drugs.
  • Client is currently working part-time or full-time job and is missing work or dismissed from work due to alcohol or drugs.
• Inform the individual services and supports can resume once abstinence and treatment plan is established.
• Document discussion in a task note and provide follow up.

Projected Post School Employment Outcome 

Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations: 

361.45(d)(9)  An IPE for a student with a disability is developed- 

(i) in consideration of the student's individualized education plan or 504 services as applicable; and 

(ii)in accordance with the plans, policies, procedures, and terms of the interagency agreement required under 361.22 of the federal regulations. 

An IPE for a student with a disability can be an employment outcome or a projected post-school employment outcome when a student is eligible for VR services. 

For eligible students with disabilities, it may be more appropriate, depending on where the student is in the transition process, to develop an IPE that is exploratory in nature with a projected post school employment outcome. A projected post school employment outcome would be used when a student needs:

• Assistance narrowing down a employment outcome. 
• VR services to participate in pre-employment transition services.

The IPE with projected post-school employment outcome:

• Outlines the services and activities that will guide the student’s exploration.
• Includes the pre-employment transition services necessary for the student to explore career options.
• Aligns with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 services as applicable.
• Facilitates the student’s exploration and identification of an employment goal based upon informed choice.
• Utilizes a broad SOC category, such as Healthcare Practitioner (SOC: 29-1000). A specific SOC code cannot be utilized when developing a projected post school employment outcome.

An IPE with a projected post school employment outcome with a student and youth with a disability should be amended when:

• a change in the projected post school employment outcome (exploring another broad SOC category). 
• a specific employment goal is developed.
• the student with a disability is no longer eligible to receive pre-employment transition services.
• the youth with a disability prior to the youth’s 25th birthday.

Projected Post School Employment Outcome for Youth (up to age 24)

An IPE for a youth with a disability can be an employment outcome or a projected post-school employment outcome when a youth is eligible for VR services. A projected post-school employment outcome would be used when a youth needs assistance narrowing down a employment goal.

The IPE with projected post-school employment outcome:

• Includes VR services that facilitate the youth’s exploration and identification of an employment outcome based upon informed choice (Pre-employment transition services are not available to youth who are not students.)

• Utilizes a broad SOC category, such as Healthcare Practitioner (SOC: 29-1000). A specific SOC code cannot be utilized when developing a projected post school employment outcome.

Supported employment services should not be included on an IPE with a projected post school employment outcome. If supported employment services are needed, include the supported employment services on the amended IPE with a specific employment outcome.  

Assessment: VR must conduct an assessment for determining vocational rehabilitation needs, if appropriate, for each eligible individual. The purpose of this assessment is to determine the employment outcome, and the nature and scope of services to be included in the IPE. This assessment can be completed by utilizing current and existing information. If additional information is needed, VR must conduct a comprehensive assessment in the most integrated setting possible. To the extent possible, the employment outcome and nature and scope of services to be included in the IPE must be determined based on the data used for the assessment of eligibility and priority for services. VR staff are an equal partner in this process and must assure the IPE and required services are reasonably achievable. 

The individualized plan for employment (IPE) must be designed to achieve a specific employment outcome, that is selected by the individual consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. 

Addressing the mandatory requirements of the IPE: 

Interests (interests, priorities, values, and needs)

• Consistency between the typical work environment in the specific job goal and the individual's interests, priorities, values, and needs.

Assets (strengths, abilities, resources, capabilities)

• Consistency between employer's requirements for educational level, type of preparation and relevant work experience in the specific employment outcome and the individual's educational level, type of preparation, and work experience.

Limitations (concerns, impediment to employment, job readiness factors). 

• Individual's ability to benefit from the specific vocational rehabilitation services included in the plan to the degree necessary to resolve any above inconsistencies. 

• Consistency between the essential functions typically performed in the specific occupation and the individual's functional abilities. 

Labor Market (what skills and abilities are required to perform the job and do they match the client's strengths, job availability, etc.) 

• Availability of employment opportunities in the specific job goal in the individual's local labor market or a labor market to which the individual has indicated a willingness to relocate.

• Consistency between employer's wages and benefits in the specific job goal and the individual's need to meet necessary cost of living, rehabilitation technology, impairment related work expenses, and health care and treatment

Lawfully authorized to work. VR will only serve clients who are authorized to work. This is for all individuals, citizens, and non-citizens alike. This verification is consistent with the I-9 required work documents and required no later than IPE approval or participation in an On-the-Job Evaluation (OJE), Work Based Learning Experience (WBLE), and/or Trial Work Experience (TWE). In QE2, select the verified work document(s) in the Basic Info Screen - Work Document Verification section. Both Citizens and non-citizens must have their original work documents verified by VR, but it is optional to upload them to QE2. VR can authorize for these documents, if needed, after eligibility (QE2 Career Planning-Other) or when utilizing a TWE (Eligibility-Other Assistance). 

Citizens:  View and verify work documents specified in the I-9 form. Examples: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Non-citizens: View and verify Immigration document(s) showing authorization to work by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Sample of immigration documents. 

• All non-citizens will have their lawful authorization to work verified through the USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program.

• Enter the required information in the Citizenship section of QE2 Basic Info Screen.

• View and scan a copy of the front and back of the original immigration document(s) and email the copy of the presented immigration document(s) to the Nebraska VR Assistant Director.

• The Team Contact will be notified of the results of the verification and the outcome will be entered into in QE2.

IPE with a projected post school employment outcome for a student should consider the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or 504 services, and in coordination with the student’s goals, objectives, and services listed in the IEP. The VR staff will need to:

• Obtain a copy of the most current IEP/504 plan.

• Attend the IEP meeting or person centered planning meeting (when invited or available to attend).

• Review the post-secondary goals listed on the IEP.

• Consider the student’s current abilities, needs, measurable annual goals and objectives identified in the IEP when developing the IPE. 

• Consider the student’s interests, progress/performance from any pre-employment transition services the student received prior to applying and eligibility determination for VR services (as a potentially eligible student with a disability).

To develop an IPE with projected post-school employment outcome for a youth, VR services should be included that facilitate the youth's exploration and identification of an employment goal based upon informed choice. (Pre-employment transition services are not allowed for youth.)

Timeline: The IPE must be developed as soon as possible, signed, and approved in QE2 no later than 90-days after the date of eligibility determination, unless VR and the eligible individual agree to the extension by which the IPE must be completed. If operating under an order of selection, the IPE is developed within 90 days from the date VR is able to provide services to that individual.

 

COMPLETION OF THE INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN for EMPLOYMENT (IPE) FORM:

1. Check Original or Amended.

2. Review "Development of Your IPE" information in the box on the first page. 

3. Employment Outcome: Select the appropriate box for each line item or fill in the blank line.    

a. Check Projected Post School Employment Outcome or Employment Outcome.

b. If the individual is still in high school, select diploma or Special Education Certificate

c. Employment Outcome IPE must also identify: 

• Unsupported-Competitive, Integrated OR Supported-Competitive, Integrated: Only individuals with a Most Significant Disability (Priority Group 1) can have a Supported Employment Job Goal. See VRIS Supported Employment Chapters for a detailed description of Supported Employment requirements and procedures.

• Self-Employment: Select "Yes" or "No" 

d. Job Goal: Enter mutually agreed upon job goal.

A projected post school employment outcome utilizes the broad SOC category. Once a specific job goal has been determined, an employment outcome must be developed with the specific SOC code.

Employment Program job goal/SOC code. The job goal is the job the client wants to have when they are finished working with VR. Only one job goal may be identified on the IPE Job Goal section and should be as specific as possible. If the client is considering several job goals or an immediate and long-term job goal, the client and VR staff will mutually agree upon a primary job goal and that job goal will be listed. Any other job goals the client wants reflected on the IPE Form will be listed in the Comments/Responsibilities section of the form. All services need to support the primary job goal, so listing additional job goals in the comments section is only appropriate when the required services remain the same.  It is not appropriate to have one plan with both a long-term and a short-term job goal. The IPE needs a specific job goal to justify the provision of needed services. 

e. Weekly Work Hours - Indicate the number of hours the client expects to work each week. 

f. Start date: Expected date to be working. 

g. Comments/Responsibilities - Optional. Allows the client and/or VR staff to note any additional comments regarding the job goal, unique responsibilities, or things to consider during service provision.

4. Complete category and related service(s): Review and select the appropriate boxes and lines for each VR service.

• Select the needed categories/services for the client to achieve the employment outcome or a projected post school employment outcome

• Identify Community or Team Service and

• Estimated start and end dates

Note: Counseling and Guidance, Information and Referral, Employment Follow-Up are VR Team Services that every client should receive throughout the case and as a result should be included on the IPE.

Supported Employment: Utilize the Supported Employment section to identify: Type of Supported Employment Program. (Note: Additional services are not required for clients with a Supported Employment goal unless a service is needed that is outside the scope of Supported Employment)

• Individual Supported Employment 

• Customized Employment

• Identify the Plan for and source of extended services. If no extended services are currently available, identify the basis for concluding the source(s) will become available (required)

Supported employment services cannot be included on an IPE with a projected post school employment outcome. If supported employment services are needed, include the supported employment services on the amended IPE with a specific employment outcome.  

Projected post school employment outcome should include all services (pre-employment transition services and additional VR services) needed to support the projected post school employment outcome.  There is crossover between pre-employment transition services and VR services. Pre-employment transition services focus on exposure and exploration and gaining workplace readiness skills. IPE with a projected post school employment outcome is exploratory in nature. Use your critical case judgement to determine the intention of the services and decide where the service best fits. Guiding questions:

• What is the purpose/ intention of the service?

• Are the services provided directly related to a pre-employment transition service? 

• Do the services provided support the development of the IPE and pursuit of the employment goal? 

Pre-Employment Transition Services: Utilize pre-employment transition services to identify services and supports.

• Students eligible for pre-employment transition services after eligibility have access to pre-employment transition services and additional VR services needed to narrow the goal or to participate in pre-employment services. 

5. IPE Terms and Conditions: Review the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to include the Terms and Conditions with the client and, as appropriate, authorized representative.

• Ensure the client fully understands the expectations, requirements, rights and responsibilities prior to signing the IPE.

• Summarizing the content under each major heading is recommended.

6. Agreement and Approval - Check the appropriate box (Employment Outcome or Projected Post School Employment Outcome), as applicable.

• After the IPE is completed with the categories/services, review the text in this section with the client and, as appropriate authorized representative.

• It is important the client and VR Staff understand and are in agreement with the conclusions and action to be taken that are outlined in this section. 

7. Obtain signatures of the client, and as appropriate, authorized representative prior to VR signing. See VRIS Signatures Required on VR Documents

• Enter information from the IPE Form into QE2 IPE Data screen and obtain approval.

• The Rehabilitation Specialist or Office Director, after review and approval in QE2, must sign the IPE as the "Nebraska VR Approver". The date of approval is the official date to be entered into QE2. The IPE must be approved in QE2 prior to the 90 day timeframe.

• All completed IPE form(s) are retained in the VR case record. Copies of the IPE and the Terms and Conditions are provided to the client, but there is no need to maintain a copy of the Terms and Conditions in the VR case record.

NOTE: A Service Specialist may assist an individual in developing the IPE, but is not authorized to approve the IPE. When ready, the Service Specialist should have the individual sign and date the IPE. The Service Specialist should sign the IPE as the “Nebraska VR Contact” and explain to the individual that a Rehabilitation Specialist or Office Director must approve the IPE. 

INACTIVE FORM: Make Sure this Job is Right for You

IPE Guide

Job Planning Factors & Job Planning Discussion

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) - English

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) - Spanish

I-9 Checklist

I-9 Form & Information