Section 66 - Vocational Planning

Purpose

The purpose of Vocational Planning is to utilize the information obtained in the intake and assessment phases to assist the participant to select an appropriate vocational goal and to identify the services and sequential actions necessary to achieve the vocational goal.

 

Process

The marketAbilities Program provides for the purchase of training, or other services in support of training, which are related to attainment of the vocational goal. Therefore, the Vocational Counsellor is required to be familiar with the various vocational services, training and educational programs, and to ensure that appropriate services and/or training are reviewed with the participant.

The vocational plan is developed through a process of mutual participation involving the Vocational Counsellor, the participant and the advocate(s). The Individualized Vocational Plan form found in Appendix IX is completed in conjunction with the participant who is required to sign the form. For more details on the procedures for completing the form go to Section 111.1. The Vocational Counsellor is the designated authority to represent the participant when seeking financial support from the marketAbilities Individualized Training Fund or the individual may access the fund through the Self-Directed Program.

The Vocational Counsellor is responsible for obtaining approval to co-ordinate the purchase of goods and services on behalf of the participant for the portions of the Vocational Plan which require marketAbilities Individualized Training Funding. The goods and services to be purchased on behalf of the participant, such as Vocational Training, Educational Training, Direct Employment Services, and Support Services, will help to remove the barriers to employment and facilitate the participant's efforts to pursue, secure and maintain employment.

Goods and services required to meet the training objectives and the vocational goal of a program participant, are normally limited to services purchased from agencies, training institutions and employers in the Province of Manitoba.

Eligible participants who do not want or need assistance from a Vocational Counsellor may choose to apply for the Self-Directed Option of the marketAbilities Program. (Section 178)

 

Development of the Individual Vocational Plan

Establishing the Vocational Goal

A critical element of the Individual Vocational Plan is the process of developing and focusing on the vocational goal. The vocational goal is defined as a specific job or occupation with identifiable job tasks.

In establishing the vocational goal, it may be necessary or advisable to assess the individual's preparedness to participate in various training activities. A clearly defined vocational goal is not required in the following instances:

1. Work Training - may be used for assessment purposes for up to the equivalent of four weeks full-time. Alternatively, or in addition to Work Training, the participant may be supported in an educational or skills training setting on a part-time or short-term basis.
2. Educational Training - may be used for assessment purposes, however enrolment is limited to 120 hours of scheduled classroom instruction at a Community College or Adult Education Program being offered by the secondary school system. Alternatively, the equivalent of two full credit courses at a university level, including distance education, may also be used for assessment purposes.

Participating in an Educational Assessment is conditional upon available funding and does not provide the individual with priority status on the Educational Wait List.

In all other situations, a vocational goal is required and must be more definitive than a general statement such as "competitive or remunerative employment".

Changing the Vocational Goal

While it is important to establish a vocational goal early in the vocational process, it is understood that vocational goals may change, for a variety of reasons including:

1. shifts in the job or labour markets;
2. changes in the participant's disabling condition or personal situation;
3. changes in the participant's level of confidence, abilities or limitations which may either expand or reduce the realistic vocational choices; or
4. desired training being unavailable.

Amendments to the Individual Vocational Training Plan must be approved when the vocational goal changes.

Caution should be exercised to avoid supporting participants who change vocational goals primarily for academic pursuits.

Funding the Individual Vocational Training Plan

The Individual Vocational Plan should support or demonstrate how the actions to be undertaken will serve to achieve the vocational goal or employment. All training and supports required at that point should be outlined in the Individual Vocational Plan.

The actual request for marketAbilities Individualized Training Funding may cover expenditures for up to one year. Plans designed to exceed more than one year should be identified as such, but requests for funding must be submitted and approved on an annual basis, subject to available funding. Participants should always be informed that cost commitments cannot exceed a one-year period.

Although it is intended that the Individual Vocational Plan and requested funding take into account all necessary costs, it is also recognized that this is not always possible or even advisable. Therefore, modifications or amendments to the plan may be made as required. This flexibility is aimed at meeting the needs of the participant, subject to meeting funding criteria and availability.

Options, Services and Supports

Following an assessment by the Vocational Counsellor as described in Section 55.1, the Vocational Counsellor and the participant may or may not have developed a clear vocational goal. The Vocational Counsellor may draw upon an array of options, services or supports to facilitate the vocational process or to implement a vocational plan. Refer to Sections 133 to 179 for a detailed description of Options, Services and Supports.

 

Standards

The following standards apply to each participant in the development of the Individual Vocational Plan:

1. Actively involved in the development of his/her Individual Vocational Plan.
2. Plan identifies a Vocational Goal unless the participant is involved in a Vocational Assessment or early stages of Work Training.
3. Plan is time limited in terms of funding requests.
4. Plan identifies situations in which achievement of the vocational goal involves a multi-year plan.
5. Plan is in writing and signed by the participant.
6. Plan is based upon an assessment of the participant's situation, needs, and goals.
7. A clear statement of objectives and proposed training or services to be funded is recorded (on the VR IVP 2006) and provided to the participant and significant others.
8. A clear action plan with respect to implementation of the Individual Vocational Plan is outlined in the Individualized Vocational Plan and is signed by the participant and the Vocational Counsellor.
9. The first Individualized Vocational Plan is required to be completed within six months of case opening.
10. In cases where no progress has been made towards formalizing a vocational plan within six months the file should be reviewed for case closure until the participant is ready to move forward with Vocational Planning.

 

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