Purpose:

The IPE is an agreement of the employment goal and the services needed to achieve it. The IPE is an individualized written plan containing descriptions of the specific employment outcome, the nature and scope of needed services and the entities to provide to provide them, the criteria to evaluate progress toward achievement of an outcome, and the responsibilities of the program and the recipient, including the recipient's participation in paying for the cost of the plan. 

Requirements:

The individual plan for employment (IPE) must be developed as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days after the date of eligibility determination, unless VR and the eligible individual agree to the extension of that deadline to a specific date 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. 

The IPE must have a specific, competitive, integrated employment outcome that is selected by the individual consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, informed choice and labor market information. (See IPE Guide)

Mandatory Procedures:

• 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 individualized plan for employment. 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. 
• The IPE is developed and implemented in a manner that gives eligible individuals the opportunity to exercise informed choice.
• The IPE must have a specific employment outcome that is selected by the individual and consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns abilities, capabilities, interests, informed choice and labor market information. (See VRIS: Informed Choice chapter and IPE Guide)
• Include timelines for the achievement of the employment outcome and the initiation of services.
• Identify service providers, responsibilities of client contribution, cost sharing, and securing comparable services and benefits.
• Description of criteria used to evaluate progress towards achieving the employment outcome and identify individual and staff responsibilities.
• The IPE is agreed to and signed by the eligible individual, and as appropriate the authorized representative.
• If in agreement with the IEP, the qualified VR counselor approves and signs the document ensuring it addresses the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns abilities, capabilities, interests, informed choice and labor market information. 
• A copy of the IPE, any IPE Amendments and the 'Important Information you need to know' form are provided to the eligible individual and as appropriate the authorized representative.
• The IPE is reviewed at least annually by a qualified VR counselor and the eligible individual and as appropriate the authorized representative to assess the progress in achieving the identified employment outcome.
• The IPE is amended, as necessary if there is a substantive change in the employment outcome, the services provided, or the providers of the services. 
• IPE Amendments do not take place until agreed to and signed by the eligible individual, as appropriate authorized representative and a Qualified VR staff member.
• Supported Employment cases must be those with the most significant disability (Priority Group 1), based on the individual's impairment and impediment, NOT based on meeting the eligibility criteria for a specific service or program. An individualized plan for employment for an individual with a most significant disability for whom an employment outcome of supported employment has been determined appropriate, need to specify the expected extended services needed and other specific criteria.
• The IPE is amended as necessary for Post-Employment services and service providers necessary for the individual to maintain, advance in or regain employment consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns abilities, capabilities, interests, informed choice and labor market information. (See VRIS Post Employment Chapter)
• An IPE for employment for a student with a disability is developed in consideration of the students individualized education plan or 504 services as applicable and in accordance with the plans, policies, procedures, and terms of the interagency agreement required under 361.22 of the federal regulations. 

IPE Extension:

Prior to the 90 day IPE deadline:

1. Discuss the need for an extension with the client;

2. Agree on an extension date;

3. Complete the IPE Extension screen in QE2.

 A task note will automatically be generated once the QE2 screen is completed with the required data (rationale for extension and agreed upon date of IPE completion). 

In the rare occurance of an IPE extension exceeding the maximun 180 days without a IPE being developed, an automated e-mail will be generated to the Director of VR and the Office Director for review.  The Office Director will be required to provide the Director of VR the justification of not meeting the IPE deadlines. The case will remain in planning until the IPE is developed or the case is closed.

IPE Amendment

• The IPE must be amended when:
  • The employment goal is changed. The job goal being pursued or obtained MUST match the job goal on the current IPE. The first two digits of the SOC code must match; or
  • VR staff or a provider terminates any team or community service.
  • Change in vender.
  • Post Employment Services are needed (See VRIS Post Employment)

 Annual Review

• The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is to must be reviewed at least annually to assess progress toward achieving the job goal. 
• The annual review is mandated by law and cannot be waived by either the client or the agency. 
• There is a 90-day time period within which the annual review must be conducted, beginning 60 days before the anniversary date of IPE approval and ending 30 days after the anniversary date. 
• The clients current situation and the opportunity to voluntarily participate in the cost of services over the next 12 months should be addressed.

Completion of IPE Form:

1. Complete the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) Job Goal Form.

• Original,  Amended –  Select "Original"    or Projected
• Job Goal – The job goal is the job the client wants to have when they are finished with VR. The job goal should be as specific as possible. Record any important details about the job. Only one job goal may be identified on the IPE Job Goal section. 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 Job Goal/Supported Employment Form will be listed in the Comments/Responsibilities section of the form. 
  • All services and supports 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. There needs to be a vocational focus (specific job goal) for the provision of appropriate services.
  • Employment goals can be developed in steps, starting where the client is currently functioning and developing their skills and abilities prior to considering more long term commitments. By starting at an entry level position in the career field of choice, an individual can learn more about the career area (Career Pathway), better assess their further interest in the long-term job goal and gain relevant work experience. The long term job goal would need a plan amendment or reopening of a new case depending on the situation.
• Comments/Responsibilities - 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.
• Expected Date to Be Working – In estimating the date the client will be working in his/her job goal consider the following:
  • When the client will have completed the services on his/her plan (or decides he/she does not need more help).
  • The client will have been working at least 90 days in the job goal.
  • When the client thinks his/her work is satisfactory and his/her employer is satisfied with the client's job performance.
  • This date should be at least six months from the date the IPE is signed.
  • Weekly Work Hours - Indicate the number of hours the client expects to work each week.
  • Agreement and Approval - Thoroughly review the text in this section with the client. It is important the client understands and is in agreement with the conclusions and action to be taken that are outlined in this section.
• Supported Employment – (See VRIS Supported Employment Chapter for a detailed description of Supported Employment requirements and procedures). Only individuals with a Most Significant Disability (Priority Group 1) can receive Supported Employment services. Most significant Disability is based on the individual's impairment and impediment, NOT based on meeting the eligibility criteria for a specific service or program.
  • Type of Supported Employment – Identify the type of Supported Employment Program.
    • Individual Supported Employment 
    • Customized Employment
  • Continuing Help – Identify the type(s) of continuing help the client will need to do well on the job. Check all the boxes that apply. If the help the client needs is not on the list, use the "Other" box to describe the help needed. Use more pages if necessary.
  • Provider – Identify the provider(s) that provide and/or pay for the help needed. If an advocacy or support group, family member, or other source will provide or pay for the continuing help specify who that will be.
    • The provider must meet with the client at least 2 times a month to determine how the client is doing on the job and what the client needs. It is the client's choice as to whether this meeting is at the work place or away from the work place.

2. Complete the appropriate IPE VR Provided Services, IPE Community Services, and IPE Supports forms. All services and supports need to support the specific job goal. (Note: The forms are not required for clients with a Supported Employment Job Goal unless a service and/or support is needed that is outside the scope of Supported Employment). Provide copies to the client. 

• VR Provided Services – Identify the VR staff providing the services the client will need to achieve his/her job goal. Indicate the following:
  • The estimated start and end date of the service.
  • The VR staff member (name or title/role) who will provide the service.
• Community Services – Identify the community services the client will need to achieve his/her job goal. Indicate the following:
  • Where will the client get the community service.
  • Who will pay for the community service. (Post-Secondary service should state, "based on Unmet Need" as this may be unknown and can change from year to year)
  • The estimated start and end date of each of the community services.
• Supports – Identify the support services the client will need to achieve his/her job goal. Indicate the following:
  • Where will the client get the support.
  • Who will pay for the support.
  • The estimated start and end date of each of the supports.

3. Review the Individualized Plan for Employment(IPE) - Important Information for You with the client and guardian or parent authorized representative, as appropriate to ensure the client fully understands the expectations, requirements, rights and responsibilities prior to signing his/her IPE. Summarizing the content under each major heading is recommended.

4. Obtain signatures of the client, and parent or guardian authorized representative as appropriate, who will sign the IPE first. The IPE becomes effective when the VR Rehab Specialist signs the IPE. The date the VR Rehab Specialist signs the IPE is the date entered into QE2.

• If a VR Service Specialist has worked with the client to develop the IPE, the Service Specialist signs as the VR Contact. The IPE will then need to be reviewed and approved by a VR Rehab Specialist or Office Director. If approved, the VR Rehab Specialist or Office Director will sign in the Vocational Rehabilitation Approval section of the form.
• The original IPE Job Goal form, IPE - Community Services, IPE -Supports and IPE - VR Provided Services forms is retained in the VR case record. Photocopies are given to the client along with the Individualized Plan for Employment(IPE)-Important Information for You. There is no need to maintain a copy of the Individualized Plan for Employment(IPE)-Important Information for You in the VR case record.

Other factors:

An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) shall be developed and implemented in a manner that affords eligible individuals the opportunity to exercise informed choice in selecting an employment outcome, the specific vocational rehabilitation services to be provided under the plan, the entity that will provide the vocational rehabilitation services, and the methods used to procure the services.

Clients may choose to write their IPE in collaboration with a VR Specialist or may choose to write their IPE on their own. If they choose to write their own IPE they must be provided with the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)-Important Information You Need to Know When Writing Your Own IPE.

If the client writes their own plan or in collaboration with a VR Specialist the job goal, services provided, and employment outcome will be consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice and labor market information of the eligible individual.

VR staff must seek out and utilize all comparable services and benefits to meet, in whole or part, the costs of required and necessary services. The Federal Rules and Regulations state:

• Comparable services and benefits means services and benefits that are provided or paid for, in whole or in part, by other Federal, State, or local public agencies, by health insurance, or by employee benefits;
  • Available to the individual at the time needed to ensure the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome in the individual’s individualized plan for employment; and
  • Commensurate to the services that the individual would otherwise receive from the designated State Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
  • For the purposes of this definition, comparable benefits do not include awards and scholarships based on merit.

An SSA approved Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) does not constitute a comparable benefit or service. A PASS is a Social Security work incentive that allows an SSI recipient to set aside income and/or resources for a specified time in order to achieve an employment goal. While funds from a PASS cannot be considered a comparable benefit, PASS resources can complement VR services, particularly to cover additional costs of services, such as home and vehicle modifications, post secondary training, and self employment. The development and submittal of a PASS should be encouraged but the choice to do so is the recipient’s decision and is strictly voluntary. The recipient’s decision to not pursue a PASS will have no impact on VR funding for appropriate and necessary goods and services.

Alcohol or drug abuse (including marijuana):

VR will not provide employment related services and supports to an individual who is actively using. VR specialist will:

• Discuss potential consequences of substance use.
• Discuss implication of passing a drug screen.
• Discuss community resource options for recovery and support groups.
• Inform the individual that services and supports can resume after he/she is abstaining from use (Please refer to Background and Training Information section of Eligibility-Non SS Recipients: http://webforms.vr.ne.gov/vr_forms/program_manual_chapters/287)
• Discuss 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. Examples of possible situations:
  • Consumer showing up for VR appointments under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Missing VR appointments regularly due to alcohol or drug use
  • Consumer stating he/she is using alcohol or drugs
  • Consumer is currently working part-time or full-time job and is missing work or dismissed from work due to drinking
• Document discussion in a task note.

section_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Projected Post School Employment Outcome for Students

Staff may use a projected post school employment outcome to develop the IPE with students eligible for pre-employment transition after eligibility for VR services is established. The IPE should be developed within 90 days of determining eligibility.

The IPE with projected post-school employment outcome should:
•    Outline the services and activities that will guide the individual’s career exploration
•    Include the Pre-Employment Transition Services necessary for the student to explore career options. Use the Pre-ets IPE page to add these services (New IPE Page)
•    Align with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 services as applicable
•    Facilitate the individual’s exploration and identification of an employment goal based upon informed choice
•    Be a specific projected post school employment outcome, such as a graphic designer (SOC: 27-1024), or a broader projected post school employment outcome, such as Food Preparer (SOC: 35-0000)
•    Be amended during the career development process and revised to a specific employment goal once this process is completed. Staff must amend the IPE as soon as they have agreed on an employment goal prior to graduation or exit from the secondary school setting

No determination of supported employment is required if developing an IPE with a projected job goal. Include the supported employment service on the amended IPE with the specific employment goal, if needed.

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

Staff may use a projected post school employment outcome to develop the IPE with youth up to the age of 24 after eligibility for VR services is established. The IPE should be developed within 90 days. 

The IPE with projected post-school employment outcome should:
•    Include VR services that facilitate the individual’s exploration and identification of an employment goal based upon informed choice (Pre-employment transition services are not available to youth who are not students up to the age of 21 or to youth 22-24).
•    Include a projected post school employment outcome, such as a graphic designer (SOC: 27-1024), or a broader projected post school employment outcome, such as Food Preparer (SOC: 35-0000).
•    Amend the IPE during the career development process and revise to a specific employment goal once this process is completed.
•    Amend the IPE as soon as there is an agreed on employment goal prior to the youth’s 25th birthday. 

No determination of supported employment is required if developing an IPE with a projected job goal. Include the supported employment service on the amended IPE, if needed.

The IPE form and QE2 should both reflect that the goal is a “Projected Post School Employment Outcome”:

QE2 – IPE Data Entry screen, under Employment Goal:
Answer “Yes” to “Is this a Projected Post School Employment Outcome?”

If marked as a Projected Post School Employment Outcome, QE2 will only require one of the 23 major SOC categories although a more specific code can be used, if appropriate. When an IPE with a broad SOC or specific SOC code is amended to reflect the specific employment goal, update the SOC code with the IPE amendment.

Examples: A projected post school employment goal might be Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (SOC: 29-0000) that is later amended to“Registered Nurse” (SOC: 29-1141).
A projected job goal might be Personal Care and Services Occupations (SOC: 39-0000) that is later amended to Childcare Worker (SOC: 39-9011). A projected job goal might be “Nursing Assistant” (SOC: 31-1014) that is later amended to “Physical Therapist Assistant” (SOC: 31-2021).
The link to the website with the major SOC category listings is https://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/2010_major_groups.htm

Current IPE form - Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) – Job Goal
The IPE must indicate that the goal is a “Projected Post School Employment Outcome”: 

For example on the current IPE Form:

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) – Job Goal
 • Original • Amended

Job Goal: State the job you want to have at the end of your plan.
 
Projected Post School Outcome : Food Preparer

Comments/Responsibilities:____________________________________________________________________________________
I expect to be working by: _____________________________________________________________________________________

The date the VR Rehab Specialist signs or approves the IPE is the date used to record the IPE in QE2.

The IPE is to be completed within 90 days of the date the client was determined eligible for VR. If the IPE is approved 91 days or more after the Eligibility Decision 

 IPE:

The individual plan for employment (IPE) must be developed as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days after the date of eligibility determination, unless VR and the eligible individual agree to the extension of that deadline to a specific date 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. 

This explanation is documented by answering the first question of the IPE Approval Determination.

• Obtain the client's agreement to the extension
• Identify the date when the IPE will be completed
• Provide an explanation as to why the time required for IPE Approval has xceeded 90 days must be documented.

IPE Extension:

If the IPE is will not completed within 90 days, VR and the eligible individual must agree to an extension of that deadline to a specific date by which the IPE must be completed. This discussion will be conducted prior to the actual 90 days expiring and documented by completing the IPE Extension screen in QE2. A task note will automatically be generated once the QE2 screen is completed with the required data (rationale for extension and agreed upon date of IPE completion) 

IPE Amendment required when: 

• The employment goal is changed. 
• VR staff or a provider terminates any team or community service.
• Post Employment Services are needed (See VRIS Post Employment)

 Annual Review:

• The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is to must be reviewed at least annually to assess progress toward achieving the job goal. 
• The annual review is mandated by law and cannot be waived by either the client or the agency. 

Other:

VR will not provide employment related services and supports to an individual who is actively using.

 

Moved below to Process -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:

Alcohol or drug abuse (including marijuana):

VR will not provide employment related services and supports to an individual who is actively using. VR specialist will:

• Discuss potential consequences of substance use.
• Discuss implication of passing a drug screen.
• Discuss community resource options for recovery and support groups.
• Inform the individual that services and supports can resume after he/she is abstaining from use (Please refer to Background and Training Information section of Eligibility-Non SS Recipients: http://webforms.vr.ne.gov/vr_forms/program_manual_chapters/287)
• Discuss 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. Examples of possible situations:
  • Consumer showing up for VR appointments under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Missing VR appointments regularly due to alcohol or drug use
  • Consumer stating he/she is using alcohol or drugs
  • Consumer is currently working part-time or full-time job and is missing work or dismissed from work due to drinking
• Document discussion in a task note.

Determine what is actually policy and MOVE the rest to process

Projected Post School Employment Outcome for Students

Staff may use a projected post school employment outcome to develop the IPE with students eligible for pre-employment transition after eligibility for VR services is established. The IPE should be developed within 90 days of determining eligibility.

The IPE with projected post-school employment outcome should:
•    Outline the services and activities that will guide the individual’s career exploration
•    Include the Pre-Employment Transition Services necessary for the student to explore career options. Use the Pre-ets IPE page to add these services (New IPE Page)
•    Align with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 services as applicable
•    Facilitate the individual’s exploration and identification of an employment goal based upon informed choice
•    Be a specific projected post school employment outcome, such as a graphic designer (SOC: 27-1024), or a broader projected post school employment outcome, such as Food Preparer (SOC: 35-0000)
•    Be amended during the career development process and revised to a specific employment goal once this process is completed. Staff must amend the IPE as soon as they have agreed on an employment goal prior to graduation or exit from the secondary school setting

No determination of supported employment is required if developing an IPE with a projected job goal. Include the supported employment service on the amended IPE with the specific employment goal, if needed.

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

Staff may use a projected post school employment outcome to develop the IPE with youth up to the age of 24 after eligibility for VR services is established. The IPE should be developed within 90 days. 

The IPE with projected post-school employment outcome should:
•    Include VR services that facilitate the individual’s exploration and identification of an employment goal based upon informed choice (Pre-employment transition services are not available to youth who are not students up to the age of 21 or to youth 22-24).
•    Include a projected post school employment outcome, such as a graphic designer (SOC: 27-1024), or a broader projected post school employment outcome, such as Food Preparer (SOC: 35-0000).
•    Amend the IPE during the career development process and revise to a specific employment goal once this process is completed.
•    Amend the IPE as soon as there is an agreed on employment goal prior to the youth’s 25th birthday. 

No determination of supported employment is required if developing an IPE with a projected job goal. Include the supported employment service on the amended IPE, if needed.

The IPE form and QE2 should both reflect that the goal is a “Projected Post School Employment Outcome”:

QE2 – IPE Data Entry screen, under Employment Goal:
Answer “Yes” to “Is this a Projected Post School Employment Outcome?”

If marked as a Projected Post School Employment Outcome, QE2 will only require one of the 23 major SOC categories although a more specific code can be used, if appropriate. When an IPE with a broad SOC or specific SOC code is amended to reflect the specific employment goal, update the SOC code with the IPE amendment.

Examples: A projected post school employment goal might be Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (SOC: 29-0000) that is later amended to“Registered Nurse” (SOC: 29-1141).
A projected job goal might be Personal Care and Services Occupations (SOC: 39-0000) that is later amended to Childcare Worker (SOC: 39-9011). A projected job goal might be “Nursing Assistant” (SOC: 31-1014) that is later amended to “Physical Therapist Assistant” (SOC: 31-2021).
The link to the website with the major SOC category listings is https://www.bls.gov/soc/2010/2010_major_groups.htm

Current IPE form - Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) – Job Goal
The IPE must indicate that the goal is a “Projected Post School Employment Outcome”: 

For example on the current IPE Form:

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) – Job Goal
 • Original • Amended

Job Goal: State the job you want to have at the end of your plan.
 
Projected Post School Outcome : Food Preparer

Comments/Responsibilities:____________________________________________________________________________________
I expect to be working by: _____________________________________________________________________________________

The date the VR Rehab Specialist signs or approves the IPE is the date used to record the IPE in QE2.

MOVED THIS SECTION TO PROCESS SECTION

An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) shall be developed and implemented in a manner that affords eligible individuals the opportunity to exercise informed choice in selecting an employment outcome, the specific vocational rehabilitation services to be provided under the plan, the entity that will provide the vocational rehabilitation services, and the methods used to procure the services.

Clients may choose to write their IPE in collaboration with a VR Specialist or may choose to write their IPE on their own. If they choose to write their own IPE they must be provided with the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)-Important Information You Need to Know When Writing Your Own IPE.

If the client writes their own plan or in collaboration with a VR Specialist the job goal, services provided, and employment outcome will be consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the eligible individual.

VR staff must seek out and utilize all comparable services and benefits to meet, in whole or part, the costs of required and necessary services. The Federal Rules and Regulations state:

• Comparable services and benefits means services and benefits that are provided or paid for, in whole or in part, by other Federal, State, or local public agencies, by health insurance, or by employee benefits;
  • Available to the individual at the time needed to ensure the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome in the individual’s individualized plan for employment; and
  • Commensurate to the services that the individual would otherwise receive from the designated State Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
  • For the purposes of this definition, comparable benefits do not include awards and scholarships based on merit.

An SSA approved Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) does not constitute a comparable benefit or service. A PASS is a Social Security work incentive that allows an SSI recipient to set aside income and/or resources for a specified time in order to achieve an employment goal. While funds from a PASS cannot be considered a comparable benefit, PASS resources can complement VR services, particularly to cover additional costs of services, such as home and vehicle modifications, post secondary training, and self employment. The development and submittal of a PASS should be encouraged but the choice to do so is the recipient’s decision and is strictly voluntary. The recipient’s decision to not pursue a PASS will have no impact on VR funding for appropriate and necessary goods and services.

INACTIVE FORM: Make Sure this Job is Right for You

IPE Guide

Job Planning Factors & Job Planning Discussion

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) - English