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 and VR Foundational Concepts Chapter
• 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

Mandatory Requirements of the IPE

• Alignment with local labor market considerations
• Alignment between employer requirements and client education and work experience
• Alignment between the employer's wages and benefits to meet the necessary cost of living for the client
• Alignment between the typical work environment and the client's work interest, values, and needs
• Alignment between essential funtions typically performed and the client's functional abilities

Work Authorization

Nebraska VR serves only clients authorized to work in the US. Staff must verify this before the IPE can be approved

• US Citizens - I-9 Documenation
• Non US Citizens - SAVE Program

CAP Information

Nebraska VR staff must inform clients about the Client Assistance Program before the IPE can be approved. See Client Assistance Program Chapter

Students With Disabilities (SWD) & Transition Youth (up to 25) (34 CFR 361.45(d)(9))

SWD's and Transition Youth have the opportunity to develop:

• An Employment Outcome Goal
• A Projected Post School Employment Goal
  • Utilized when
    • Assistance is needed in narrowing down an employment outcome
    • A SWD needs VR services to participate in PreETS
    • Exploration is desired in a broad SOC category (e.g.(Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (SOC: 29))
  • Aligns with an IEP or 504 Plan
  • Exploratory in Nature
  • Must be amended to a regular Employment Outcome Goal
    • When the client turns 25
    • When the client decides to explore a different broad SOC category
    • When the client has developed a specific employment goal

Step 1: Verify Work Authorization

• Confirm employment eligibility before IPE approval
  • Citizens: Verify document per I-9 requirements
  • Non-citizens: Verify immigration documents via USCIS SAVE program by Assistant Director
    • View and scan a copy of the front and back of the original immigration documents and email those to the Nebraska VR Assistant Director
    • The Assistant Director will notify the Team Contact of the results of the verification - Team Contact will task note the results into the case
• Enter the verification documents viewed onto the Basic Information Screen in QE2 and document via a regular QE2 task note
• Upload a copy of the documents into the Electronic Case File (ECF) (optional)

Step 2: Ensure Career Planning and Assessment has been completed

• See Career Planning Chapter

Step 3: QE2 Documentation for IPE Approval

*Note: The hardcopy of the IPE can also be utilized - Attached to this chapter

• From the Case Home Screen 
  • Add the services identified during Career Planning needed to address client barriers
    • Click the "+ IPE Service" Button
    • Select the QE2 Category
    • Select the appropriate service(s)
• Under the IPE Navigation Tab - Click on the IPE Data selection
  • Complete each Section
    • Employment Goal
      • Job Goal Type - Employment Outcome or Projected Post School Employment Outcome
      • Work Type - Competitive Unsupported or Competitive Supported
      • High School Degree Type (If client is enrolled in high school) - High School Diploma or Special Education Certificate
      • Self Employment - Yes or No
      • Identify SOC Category if Projected Post School Employment Outcome
      • Identify SOC Category and SOC Code if Employment Outcome
      • Add the weekly hours the client would like to work and the estimated start date of employment
      • Complete any Comments/Responsibilities that need to be identified
    • Enrollments At IPE
      • Each question needs to be answered according to what the client is CURRENTLY involved in (at IPE approval time) and should NOT reflect what the IPE planned services will include
        • Is the Client Currently Enrolled in a GED Program? Yes or No
          • If Yes - provide an estimated completion date
        • Is the Client Currently Enrolled in an OJT? Yes or No
          • If Yes - provide an estimated completion date
        • Is the Client Currently in Training? (If so, provide estimated completion date)
          • Leading to a Degree, License or Certificate
          • Not leading to a Degree, License or Certificate
          • None
    • WIOA IPE Data
      • Answer each question with the appropriate drop down response
      • There are Tool Tips next to most questions for RSA definitions and information
• Under the IPE Navigation Tab - Click on the IPE Approval Selection
  • Ensure the Preliminary IPE Approval Checklist items appear Green
  • Ensure all services that will be needed have been entered on the case
• Review all data on the screen and fill in the "Why will the IPE result in employment in the stated job goal?" 
• Add the date and who determined the IPE and Save
• Download the "Unapproved IPE" for client signature
• Review the IPE Terms and Conditions with the client and authorized representative (if applicable)
  • Ensure the client fully understands the expectations, requirements, rights and responsibilities prior to having them sign the IPE
  • Ensure client and VR Staff understand and agree with the conclusions and actions to be taken as outlined in the IPE
• Gather all needed signatures - client, authorized representative (if applicable) (See Signatures Required on VR Documents Chapter)
  • Service Specialists may develop the IPE but must have a Rehabilitation Specialist or Office Director sign the IPE
• Rehabilitation Specialist or Office Director
  • Review and sign the IPE
  • Enter the approval date as the official date in QE2
  • Click "Approve" on the IPE Approval Screen to complete the process
• Upload the signed IPE into the Electronic Case File 

Discovery Activity: Make Sure - Spanish

Discovery Activity: Work Considerations - English

Discovery Activity: Work Considerations - Spanish

I-9 Checklist

I-9 Form & Information

IPE Guide

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) - English

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) - Spanish

Job Planning Factors & Job Planning Discussion

Make Sure this Job is Right for You