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What Is the Individualized Plan for Employment?

By John Zamora, M.S., CDMS

The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is a written plan outlining an individual’s vocational goal, and the services to be provided to reach the goal. It is written on the basis of the program assessment that is conducted by the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor after your eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services is established. Here are some key points:

  • It is mandated by law under the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act.
  • It describes which of the agency’s services will be offered to the client or consumer.
  • It lists the broad areas of instruction that will be provided.
  • It is generally the responsibility of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
  • The counselor and client jointly construct the program of services.
  • The IPE must be reviewed annually and amended if the client’s needs change.

The IPE must contain the following information:

  • The date that services begin and the date by which the vocational objective is to be achieved
  • The specific services that are to be offered to the client or consumer
  • It must contain objective criteria, evaluation procedures, and schedules for determining progress toward goals.
  • It must contain a description of the Client Assistance Program (CAP).

The following information must be provided regarding each service in the IPE:

  • A behavioral objective, or a clearly defined measurable goal
  • A brief description of each service
  • Dates on which the service is to be initiated and completed
  • The cost of each component of the service, as well as total cost
  • A description of how progress will be evaluated.

Services for the Individualized Plan for Employment must be chosen from the following categories:

  • Counseling and guidance
  • Physical and mental restoration, including corrective surgery and ocular prosthetic devices
  • Vocational and other training services
  • Services to the family
  • Interpretive services for those who are deaf
  • Reading services
  • Personal adjustment services
  • Provision of telecommunications and other technical aids
  • Placement in suitable employment
  • Post-employment services if the client’s job is in jeopardy
  • Assistance in obtaining occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks for small businesses;
  • Job coaching services
  • Assistance in obtaining other goods and services that could aid the client in obtaining employment.
  • The vocational objective must contain a formal job title that is listed in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, with the code number, if available.
  • The objective must also include the description of planned services and a list of services to be offered, usually in chronological order.

You can find more information on IPE regulations at the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.