N.J. Admin. Code § 12:51-20.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 12:51-20.5 - Consumer involvement and empowerment

(a) The organization shall develop employment opportunities based upon the individual's preferences, interests, abilities, capabilities and needs. The organization shall assist the person served to:

1. Understand and manage the financial and personal impact of supported employment on disability benefits and other benefits; and

2. Become knowledgeable about access to, and rights and responsibilities, under such benefits.

(b) The persons served shall be informed of supported employment service options and policies regarding transfer and reentry to supported employment services.

(c) Based upon an assessment which fully involves the consumer and that identifies the supports the individual shall require in order to participate fully in the program, the organization shall work with the individual with a disability, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's Counselor, to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The organization providing the long term follow along shall be invited to the planning meeting.

(d) Issues that contribute to the development of this plan are choices of the person served, career planning, and opportunity for job advancement and job changes. Other items that may be included are short and long term goals and objectives related to employment, opportunities for integration and independence, utilization of generic integrated community resources to meet non work needs, short and long term supports needed (including such supports as financial resources, natural supports), assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. Finally, issues involved in the development of the plan are consideration of ancillary support services if needed, job satisfaction, and provision for at least semiannual review.

(e) The organization shall have procedures in place in which the consumer's input, abilities and capabilities are the primary factors in the development of an individual supported employment plan, and which can include input from the individual's representative with the consumer's permission.

(f) There shall be a process and written procedure for the ongoing review and modification of the consumer's plan which ensures that the consumer's preferences are considered and the consumer actively participates in the decision making process.

(g) The supported employment organization staff shall demonstrate a significant effort in providing individual integrated employment opportunities that match the consumer's occupational objective.

N.J. Admin. Code § 12:51-20.5

Amended by R.2002 d.119, effective 5/6/2002.
See: 33 New Jersey Register 4091(a), 34 New Jersey Register 1726(a).
In (c), substituted "Plan for Employment (IPE)" for "Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP)".