Ticket To Work Program

1. Ticket To Work Program Individual Work Plan (IWP) Welcome to the Ticket to Work Training Series.   In this training session, we will discuss the Individual Work Plan.Welcome to the Ticket to Work Training Series.   In this training session, we will discuss the Individual Work Plan.

2. Vision of Associate Commissioner for OESP The 5 Cs: Choice Capacity Coordination Collaboration Credible Results Let us take a moment to introduce the vision of Bob Williams, the Associate Commissioner of the Office of Employment Support Programs with Social Security. In order to improve upon the availability and quality of employment support programs, Mr. Williams has laid out his guiding principles for the Ticket to Work Program, which he calls the Five Cs.   First, we will increase the availability and quality of choices available to Ticket Holders. By providing more choices to Ticket Holders, they are better able to obtain the skills they need and select employment that will lead to self-sufficiency.   Second, we want to increase the capacity of the service providers. The idea behind this is to increase both the number and quality of the service providers to ensure employment and self-sufficiency outcomes for beneficiaries.   Third, we will require greater coordination and collaboration among our employment support providers. This ensures that services are provided in the most simple, easy to understand, and straightforward manner as possible.   Finally, we will also ensure that all of our employment support programs produce increasingly credible results. There are many paths to success, so we need to make sure that we open those paths that can improve the performance of the Ticket to Work Program.   Throughout this session, you will learn how the Individual Work Plan is used to ensure Mr. Williams’ final guiding principle: ensuring our employment programs produce increasingly credible results. Let us take a moment to introduce the vision of Bob Williams, the Associate Commissioner of the Office of Employment Support Programs with Social Security. In order to improve upon the availability and quality of employment support programs, Mr. Williams has laid out his guiding principles for the Ticket to Work Program, which he calls the Five Cs.   First, we will increase the availability and quality of choices available to Ticket Holders. By providing more choices to Ticket Holders, they are better able to obtain the skills they need and select employment that will lead to self-sufficiency.   Second, we want to increase the capacity of the service providers. The idea behind this is to increase both the number and quality of the service providers to ensure employment and self-sufficiency outcomes for beneficiaries.   Third, we will require greater coordination and collaboration among our employment support providers. This ensures that services are provided in the most simple, easy to understand, and straightforward manner as possible.   Finally, we will also ensure that all of our employment support programs produce increasingly credible results. There are many paths to success, so we need to make sure that we open those paths that can improve the performance of the Ticket to Work Program.   Throughout this session, you will learn how the Individual Work Plan is used to ensure Mr. Williams’ final guiding principle: ensuring our employment programs produce increasingly credible results.

3. Objectives Describe the Individual Work Plan (IWP) Describe the steps that must be taken prior to completing the IWP Identify the differences between the previous IWP and the redesigned IWP Complete the IWP Identify resources to aid you with the IWP Upon completion of this training course, you will be able to:   Describe the Individual Work Plan, or IWP; Describe the steps that must be taken prior to completing the IWP; Identify the differences between the previous IWP and the redesigned IWP; Complete the IWP; And identify resources to aid you with the IWP. Upon completion of this training course, you will be able to:   Describe the Individual Work Plan, or IWP; Describe the steps that must be taken prior to completing the IWP; Identify the differences between the previous IWP and the redesigned IWP; Complete the IWP; And identify resources to aid you with the IWP.

4. What is the Individual Work Plan (IWP)? Contract between beneficiary and Employment Network (EN) Details goals of the beneficiary Details services provided to meet those goals The Individual Work Plan, or IWP, is a contract between the beneficiary and the EN. Basically, it is an agreement between the two parties that lays out the actions both will take in order to reach a successful work outcome for the beneficiary. The IWP details the goals of the beneficiary and what services will be provided to meet those goals. The Individual Work Plan, or IWP, is a contract between the beneficiary and the EN. Basically, it is an agreement between the two parties that lays out the actions both will take in order to reach a successful work outcome for the beneficiary. The IWP details the goals of the beneficiary and what services will be provided to meet those goals.

5. Before the IWP Assessment: Do the services you offer match the beneficiary’s needs? Does beneficiary have previous work history? Is the beneficiary likely to make it to Trial Work Level or Substantial Gainful Activity? Is the beneficiary’s desire to become self-sufficient? What is the skill and education level of beneficiary? Does the beneficiary have a history of prior earnings? Identify: Limitations Past Employment Issues Strengths and Competencies Fears Housing Childcare Medication Transportation Before hashing out the details of the IWP, it is extremely important to do an initial assessment of the beneficiary to make sure that your organization and the beneficiary are a good match. When a beneficiary first contacts your organization, this will be the first opportunity you will have to take an assessment of your beneficiary. Think of your beneficiary as your client. Remember, this is the most important time to not only offer a good impression of your organization, but to gather as much information about your beneficiary as possible. This ensures your organization will be able to provide the services necessary for the beneficiary to reach his or her goal. You will want to discuss what services the Ticket Holder is looking for or think he or she might need, what services your organization offers, and how you might be able to assist this beneficiary.   During the initial assessment, you’ll want to answer the following questions:   Do the services your organization offers match the beneficiary’s needs? Does the Ticket Holder have any previous work history? Is the beneficiary likely to make it to Trial Work Level or Substantial Gainful Activity? Is it the beneficiary’s desire to become self-sufficient? What is the skill and education level of the beneficiary? And does the beneficiary have a history of prior earnings?   You also want to identify any limitations the beneficiary might have, past employment issues, as well as any strengths and competencies. At this time, you can also address any fears the Ticket Holder may have about losing benefits. This can segue into identifying any possible impediments to gaining and obtaining employment. Ask about housing, childcare, medication, and transportation to ensure that you are working to meet all needs. All of this information will be critical in providing services and making a determination on fit.   Keep in mind that if you run into a situation where you find that you are not a good match for the beneficiary, please have the beneficiary re-review his or her initial EN list in order to identify a different service provider. Before hashing out the details of the IWP, it is extremely important to do an initial assessment of the beneficiary to make sure that your organization and the beneficiary are a good match. When a beneficiary first contacts your organization, this will be the first opportunity you will have to take an assessment of your beneficiary. Think of your beneficiary as your client. Remember, this is the most important time to not only offer a good impression of your organization, but to gather as much information about your beneficiary as possible. This ensures your organization will be able to provide the services necessary for the beneficiary to reach his or her goal. You will want to discuss what services the Ticket Holder is looking for or think he or she might need, what services your organization offers, and how you might be able to assist this beneficiary.   During the initial assessment, you’ll want to answer the following questions:   Do the services your organization offers match the beneficiary’s needs? Does the Ticket Holder have any previous work history? Is the beneficiary likely to make it to Trial Work Level or Substantial Gainful Activity? Is it the beneficiary’s desire to become self-sufficient? What is the skill and education level of the beneficiary? And does the beneficiary have a history of prior earnings?   You also want to identify any limitations the beneficiary might have, past employment issues, as well as any strengths and competencies. At this time, you can also address any fears the Ticket Holder may have about losing benefits. This can segue into identifying any possible impediments to gaining and obtaining employment. Ask about housing, childcare, medication, and transportation to ensure that you are working to meet all needs. All of this information will be critical in providing services and making a determination on fit.   Keep in mind that if you run into a situation where you find that you are not a good match for the beneficiary, please have the beneficiary re-review his or her initial EN list in order to identify a different service provider.

6. Ticket Assignability Call TASC Helpline at 866-949-3687 Fax (703-893-4149) if there are 10 or more Tickets Terminology Assignable Not In the Database Not Assignable Assigned In-Use SVR Once you determine that the Ticket Holder is a good match for your organization, you will need to check to see if the Ticket is assignable. This step is important because if the Ticket is not assignable, then you will not be able to collect payment for your services. In order to check Ticket assignability, you will need to call the Technical Assistance and Support Center helpline at 1-866-949-3687. Be prepared to provide your DUNS number, name, name of the organization, contact phone number, and Ticket Holder Social Security Number.   If you have 10 or more Tickets that you would like to check, you may fax your request to your Account Manager. Once you’ve sent in the information, you can expect to hear from an Account Manager within 24 hours.   In order to understand how Ticket assignability is communicated, let’s familiarize ourselves with the terminology that an Account Manager might use.   If the Account Manager says the Ticket is “Assignable” then you may create and submit the Individual Work Plan, which will be needed in order to assign the Ticket.   If the Account Manager says the ticket is “Not in the Database,” then you will be referred to the beneficiary helpline to determine if the beneficiary is not meeting eligibility requirements or if our database at MAXIMUS needs to be updated. Either way, the beneficiary helpline will confirm this information.     If the Account Manager says the Ticket is “Not Assignable,” then the Ticket could have been terminated for not meeting the eligibility criteria.   If the Account Manager says the ticket is “Assigned,” this means that the Ticket is assigned to another Employment Network or to a Vocational Rehabilitation agency.   And if the Account Manager says the Ticket status is "In-Use SVR," this means that the Ticket is with a Vocational Rehabilitation agency and this agency is receiving Cost Reimbursement.   It is important to note that the Vocational Rehabilitation agency has the option to assign a Ticket or place it in “In-Use SVR” status. If the Ticket is assigned, the same rule applies as with being assigned to another EN. However, if the Ticket is placed in use with the Vocational Rehabilitation agency, this means that the agency is receiving Cost Reimbursement, which may impact your ability to receive Phase I Milestone payments.   For more information about payments, you may review the training available on www.yourtickettowork.com.Once you determine that the Ticket Holder is a good match for your organization, you will need to check to see if the Ticket is assignable. This step is important because if the Ticket is not assignable, then you will not be able to collect payment for your services. In order to check Ticket assignability, you will need to call the Technical Assistance and Support Center helpline at 1-866-949-3687. Be prepared to provide your DUNS number, name, name of the organization, contact phone number, and Ticket Holder Social Security Number.   If you have 10 or more Tickets that you would like to check, you may fax your request to your Account Manager. Once you’ve sent in the information, you can expect to hear from an Account Manager within 24 hours.   In order to understand how Ticket assignability is communicated, let’s familiarize ourselves with the terminology that an Account Manager might use.   If the Account Manager says the Ticket is “Assignable” then you may create and submit the Individual Work Plan, which will be needed in order to assign the Ticket.   If the Account Manager says the ticket is “Not in the Database,” then you will be referred to the beneficiary helpline to determine if the beneficiary is not meeting eligibility requirements or if our database at MAXIMUS needs to be updated. Either way, the beneficiary helpline will confirm this information.     If the Account Manager says the Ticket is “Not Assignable,” then the Ticket could have been terminated for not meeting the eligibility criteria.   If the Account Manager says the ticket is “Assigned,” this means that the Ticket is assigned to another Employment Network or to a Vocational Rehabilitation agency.   And if the Account Manager says the Ticket status is "In-Use SVR," this means that the Ticket is with a Vocational Rehabilitation agency and this agency is receiving Cost Reimbursement.   It is important to note that the Vocational Rehabilitation agency has the option to assign a Ticket or place it in “In-Use SVR” status. If the Ticket is assigned, the same rule applies as with being assigned to another EN. However, if the Ticket is placed in use with the Vocational Rehabilitation agency, this means that the agency is receiving Cost Reimbursement, which may impact your ability to receive Phase I Milestone payments.   For more information about payments, you may review the training available on www.yourtickettowork.com.

7. Redesigned IWP November 2011 Based on new Request for Quotation (RFQ) and codicil Social Security seeks to foster the relationship between the EN and the beneficiary Changes Statement of Understanding Alternate contact information Clearer guidelines for EN services Easier to read Once you have determined that there is a match between the services your EN provides and the needs of the beneficiary, and have determined that the Ticket can be assigned to your organization, you can begin the process of working with the beneficiary to complete the IWP. Beginning in November 2011, all ENs will be required to use the new IWP, which is based on the new Request For Quotation and associated codicil.   This newly redesigned IWP reflects Social Security’s goal of fostering the relationship between the beneficiary and the EN. This relationship is important because it ensures that the beneficiary’s needs are met, which in turn promotes long-term employment and self-sufficiency.   The first change is the inclusion of a Statement of Understanding regarding Ticket Program expectations. This will help ensure the Ticket Holder fully understands the intent of the Program and the responsibilities of the parties involved.   Second, the new IWP asks the beneficiary for alternate contact information. This will ensure the EN is able to maintain contact with the beneficiary throughout the process.   Third, the new IWP sets clearer guidelines for EN services, which helps ensure beneficiaries receive the services they need in order to be successful.   Finally, the redesigned IWP is easier to read. This ensures that all parties in the relationship understand their roles and responsibilities when entering into the agreement. Additionally, you’ll notice that the IWP is written from the beneficiary’s point of view, which makes it easier for the beneficiary to understand. Once you have determined that there is a match between the services your EN provides and the needs of the beneficiary, and have determined that the Ticket can be assigned to your organization, you can begin the process of working with the beneficiary to complete the IWP. Beginning in November 2011, all ENs will be required to use the new IWP, which is based on the new Request For Quotation and associated codicil.   This newly redesigned IWP reflects Social Security’s goal of fostering the relationship between the beneficiary and the EN. This relationship is important because it ensures that the beneficiary’s needs are met, which in turn promotes long-term employment and self-sufficiency.   The first change is the inclusion of a Statement of Understanding regarding Ticket Program expectations. This will help ensure the Ticket Holder fully understands the intent of the Program and the responsibilities of the parties involved.   Second, the new IWP asks the beneficiary for alternate contact information. This will ensure the EN is able to maintain contact with the beneficiary throughout the process.   Third, the new IWP sets clearer guidelines for EN services, which helps ensure beneficiaries receive the services they need in order to be successful.   Finally, the redesigned IWP is easier to read. This ensures that all parties in the relationship understand their roles and responsibilities when entering into the agreement. Additionally, you’ll notice that the IWP is written from the beneficiary’s point of view, which makes it easier for the beneficiary to understand.

8. Statement of Understanding Now let’s take a look at the IWP itself. As mentioned previously, the form begins with a Statement of Understanding written from the beneficiary’s point of view. This makes it clear that the EN will provide certain services in an effort to help the beneficiary earn enough to become self-sufficient. There is also a statement that points out that the conditions of the IWP can be changed if the needs of the beneficiary change. Now let’s take a look at the IWP itself. As mentioned previously, the form begins with a Statement of Understanding written from the beneficiary’s point of view. This makes it clear that the EN will provide certain services in an effort to help the beneficiary earn enough to become self-sufficient. There is also a statement that points out that the conditions of the IWP can be changed if the needs of the beneficiary change.

9. Contact Information The next part of the IWP provides the contact information of both the EN and the beneficiary. The EN provides its name, DUNS Number, physical address, telephone number, and email address. The beneficiary provides his or her name, Social Security Number, physical address, telephone number, and email address. The next part of the IWP provides the contact information of both the EN and the beneficiary. The EN provides its name, DUNS Number, physical address, telephone number, and email address. The beneficiary provides his or her name, Social Security Number, physical address, telephone number, and email address.

10. Alternate Contacts In the next section of the form, the beneficiary can provide information for up to three alternate contacts. Earlier in this lesson, we mentioned how Social Security’s goal was to foster the relationship between the EN and the beneficiary. By having the beneficiary provide these alternate contacts, the EN will have a better chance of maintaining contact with the beneficiary, which helps maintain the relationship, thereby increasing the beneficiary’s chances for success. In the next section of the form, the beneficiary can provide information for up to three alternate contacts. Earlier in this lesson, we mentioned how Social Security’s goal was to foster the relationship between the EN and the beneficiary. By having the beneficiary provide these alternate contacts, the EN will have a better chance of maintaining contact with the beneficiary, which helps maintain the relationship, thereby increasing the beneficiary’s chances for success.

11. My Vocational Goal and Expected Monthly Earnings The next section of the IWP covers the beneficiary’s expected goals, both short-term and long-term, and what the beneficiary expects to earn while working toward these goals. First, the short-term vocational goal is provided. Here, the beneficiary states what the desired change in employment will be in the next three to 12 months.   Next, the expected monthly earnings for this short-term goal are provided. In the next three to 12 months, the beneficiary should expect to earn Trial Work Level or above as he or she begins working towards self-sufficiency.   The next item is where the long term vocational goal should be listed. This is the employment goal that the beneficiary wants to reach in the next three to five years.   The final part of this section is where the expected monthly earnings for the long-term goal are given. In reaching the long-term goal, the beneficiary should expect to earn the Substantial Gainful Activity amount or greater on a monthly basis. The next section of the IWP covers the beneficiary’s expected goals, both short-term and long-term, and what the beneficiary expects to earn while working toward these goals. First, the short-term vocational goal is provided. Here, the beneficiary states what the desired change in employment will be in the next three to 12 months.   Next, the expected monthly earnings for this short-term goal are provided. In the next three to 12 months, the beneficiary should expect to earn Trial Work Level or above as he or she begins working towards self-sufficiency.   The next item is where the long term vocational goal should be listed. This is the employment goal that the beneficiary wants to reach in the next three to five years.   The final part of this section is where the expected monthly earnings for the long-term goal are given. In reaching the long-term goal, the beneficiary should expect to earn the Substantial Gainful Activity amount or greater on a monthly basis.

12. Check Your Understanding Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of the material we’ve covered so far. This is strictly for your understanding; no score is given or collected. Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of the material we’ve covered so far. This is strictly for your understanding; no score is given or collected.

13. Check Your Understanding The new IWP ask the beneficiary to provide up to three alternative contacts. Why? So the EN can notify these individuals of the success of the beneficiary So the EN can obtain payment for services in the case the beneficiary does not meet certain income levels To provide the EN has a better chance to maintain contact with the beneficiary, since this increases the beneficiary’s chances for success. All of the above Answer: C The new IWP asks for up to three alternative contacts so the EN can better maintain its relationship with the beneficiary. This relationship increases the chance of beneficiary success.

14. Check Your Understanding What monthly earnings level should the beneficiary expect to achieve in the three to 12 months after signing the IWP? No income Trial Work Level Substantial Gainful Activity Substantial Gainful Activity and zero benefits Answer: B The expected monthly earnings level for the short-term goal (three to 12 months) is Trial Work Level.

15. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal Six categories Matching of supports and services Payment Request Form Certification of Services The next section of the IWP details the services the EN agrees to provide. These supports and services are provided in six different categories, with some of these categories being required.   The information provided in this section must reflect those services that will be provided by the EN to the beneficiary. As the beneficiary begins to reach earnings levels that enable the EN to receive payments, the EN will need to show and certify that services were provided and the services led the beneficiary to achieve those earnings levels. For certain payments, such as Phase I Milestone 4, the EN will need to complete the Certification of Services form, which details the services provided to the beneficiary that both the EN and the beneficiary must sign. The next section of the IWP details the services the EN agrees to provide. These supports and services are provided in six different categories, with some of these categories being required.   The information provided in this section must reflect those services that will be provided by the EN to the beneficiary. As the beneficiary begins to reach earnings levels that enable the EN to receive payments, the EN will need to show and certify that services were provided and the services led the beneficiary to achieve those earnings levels. For certain payments, such as Phase I Milestone 4, the EN will need to complete the Certification of Services form, which details the services provided to the beneficiary that both the EN and the beneficiary must sign.

16. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal The first category is Career Counseling and Guidance. These include one-on-one sessions to assess the beneficiary’s skills and educational background to find jobs or trades for which the beneficiary is qualified. Notice that this category has already been checked. This indicates that this category is required. This is because at least one hour of career counseling and guidance must be spent developing the Individual Work Plan. This guidance must be certified later in this document.   The second category includes Job Search or Placement services. Unless the beneficiary was working when the Ticket was assigned, you must contribute to placing the beneficiary in a job. For example, you might provide professional advice regarding resume writing, interview skills, and job search techniques. You may also provide the beneficiary with individualized job leads or establish a relationship with employers to secure a job placement. The first category is Career Counseling and Guidance. These include one-on-one sessions to assess the beneficiary’s skills and educational background to find jobs or trades for which the beneficiary is qualified. Notice that this category has already been checked. This indicates that this category is required. This is because at least one hour of career counseling and guidance must be spent developing the Individual Work Plan. This guidance must be certified later in this document.   The second category includes Job Search or Placement services. Unless the beneficiary was working when the Ticket was assigned, you must contribute to placing the beneficiary in a job. For example, you might provide professional advice regarding resume writing, interview skills, and job search techniques. You may also provide the beneficiary with individualized job leads or establish a relationship with employers to secure a job placement.

17. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal The third category is Job Training or Coaching. Comprehensive job training can occur prior to job placement or during employment. This training should help the beneficiary excel in a particular set of skills which then enables that beneficiary to be placed in employment or retain employment.   The fourth category is Job Accommodation Planning. A job accommodation is a reasonable adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform the duties of the job. The beneficiary’s limitations are to be considered along with the job tasks in order to identify the necessary equipment or modifications that will assist the beneficiary in performing the job function. This may include providing a ride to and from work, computer equipment or software, or a vehicle modification.  The third category is Job Training or Coaching. Comprehensive job training can occur prior to job placement or during employment. This training should help the beneficiary excel in a particular set of skills which then enables that beneficiary to be placed in employment or retain employment.   The fourth category is Job Accommodation Planning. A job accommodation is a reasonable adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform the duties of the job. The beneficiary’s limitations are to be considered along with the job tasks in order to identify the necessary equipment or modifications that will assist the beneficiary in performing the job function. This may include providing a ride to and from work, computer equipment or software, or a vehicle modification.  

18. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal The next category includes Continuing Employment Supports. A continuing employment support is any service that helps the beneficiary maintain employment. It is provided after the job placement. Notice that this category has already been checked. This is because you will need to maintain periodic communication with the beneficiary to encourage and support his or her work efforts. Other employment support services should be included here as well, such as funds to purchase uniforms or arrange transportation, ongoing training to advance skills, counseling intervention to foster healthy work relationships, and life skills that are critical in sustaining work outcomes, including financial counseling or conflict resolution skills.   The final category is Other. These other services may include financial planning, helping the beneficiary set up a business, providing financial assistance for school, providing case management services to improve interpersonal skills, and so on. The next category includes Continuing Employment Supports. A continuing employment support is any service that helps the beneficiary maintain employment. It is provided after the job placement. Notice that this category has already been checked. This is because you will need to maintain periodic communication with the beneficiary to encourage and support his or her work efforts. Other employment support services should be included here as well, such as funds to purchase uniforms or arrange transportation, ongoing training to advance skills, counseling intervention to foster healthy work relationships, and life skills that are critical in sustaining work outcomes, including financial counseling or conflict resolution skills.   The final category is Other. These other services may include financial planning, helping the beneficiary set up a business, providing financial assistance for school, providing case management services to improve interpersonal skills, and so on.

19. My Recent Work History The next section of the IWP addresses the previous work experience of the beneficiary. Here, the beneficiary should indicate whether he or she is currently employed, has had no earnings in the past 18 months, or has had some earnings in the past 18 months. If there were some earnings, the beneficiary should indicate whether any of those earnings took place in the past six months. The next section of the IWP addresses the previous work experience of the beneficiary. Here, the beneficiary should indicate whether he or she is currently employed, has had no earnings in the past 18 months, or has had some earnings in the past 18 months. If there were some earnings, the beneficiary should indicate whether any of those earnings took place in the past six months.

20. My Recent Work History If the beneficiary has had earnings in the past 18 months, information regarding those earnings should be provided in the accompanying chart. Here, the beneficiary should indicate the employer, the start and end dates, the hourly wage, and the hours worked per week. For the start and end dates, just the month and year are needed; exact dates are not necessary. If the wage per hour had increased while the beneficiary was working, he or she should provide the ending wage. For many beneficiaries, the hours worked per week may have varied. If this is the case, an average should be provided.   Essentially, this chart will help the EN gauge the beneficiary’s skills and employment experience. This allows the EN to better assess what services and supports are to be provided. If the EN is looking for information regarding available Milestone payments, the 18 Month Lookback Form should be developed and submitted along with the IWP. If the beneficiary has had earnings in the past 18 months, information regarding those earnings should be provided in the accompanying chart. Here, the beneficiary should indicate the employer, the start and end dates, the hourly wage, and the hours worked per week. For the start and end dates, just the month and year are needed; exact dates are not necessary. If the wage per hour had increased while the beneficiary was working, he or she should provide the ending wage. For many beneficiaries, the hours worked per week may have varied. If this is the case, an average should be provided.   Essentially, this chart will help the EN gauge the beneficiary’s skills and employment experience. This allows the EN to better assess what services and supports are to be provided. If the EN is looking for information regarding available Milestone payments, the 18 Month Lookback Form should be developed and submitted along with the IWP.

21. Conditions related to the Success of My IWP The next section of the IWP provides the basic conditions of the agreement. These four conditions mainly address the responsibilities of both the EN and the beneficiary to keep each other informed regarding progress, ongoing support, or other changes. It is possible that the EN and beneficiary may determine other conditions for the agreement. Those should be supplied in the space provided. If there are no additional conditions, it should be noted here; this area should not be left blank. The next section of the IWP provides the basic conditions of the agreement. These four conditions mainly address the responsibilities of both the EN and the beneficiary to keep each other informed regarding progress, ongoing support, or other changes. It is possible that the EN and beneficiary may determine other conditions for the agreement. Those should be supplied in the space provided. If there are no additional conditions, it should be noted here; this area should not be left blank.

22. Rights & Remedies The IWP then provides a listing of rights and remedies that are intended to protect both the beneficiary and the EN. Notice that there are some blanks here that need to be completed. The first occurs at the top, where the EN must provide its name. The second appears in item number 6, where the EN must provide the phone number of the State Protection and Advocacy Program, where the beneficiary can receive certain free services.   Perhaps the most important of these is number three. The EN must maintain contact and provide ongoing support to the beneficiary in order to help the beneficiary retain employment and reach self-sufficiency. The IWP then provides a listing of rights and remedies that are intended to protect both the beneficiary and the EN. Notice that there are some blanks here that need to be completed. The first occurs at the top, where the EN must provide its name. The second appears in item number 6, where the EN must provide the phone number of the State Protection and Advocacy Program, where the beneficiary can receive certain free services.   Perhaps the most important of these is number three. The EN must maintain contact and provide ongoing support to the beneficiary in order to help the beneficiary retain employment and reach self-sufficiency.

23. Signatures and Dates Once the EN and beneficiary have come to an agreement regarding the services and supports that will be provided, both must sign and date the IWP. When it comes time to sign, the EN should point out that the beneficiary is allowing the EN to contact his or her employer to either verify or obtain earnings evidence.   Another important point is that the date provided on this form will become the Ticket Assignment date. The EN must note this date, as it will be referenced on Payment Requests and Certification of Services forms. Once the EN and beneficiary have come to an agreement regarding the services and supports that will be provided, both must sign and date the IWP. When it comes time to sign, the EN should point out that the beneficiary is allowing the EN to contact his or her employer to either verify or obtain earnings evidence.   Another important point is that the date provided on this form will become the Ticket Assignment date. The EN must note this date, as it will be referenced on Payment Requests and Certification of Services forms.

24. Record of Career Counseling Provided During IWP Development The final section of the IWP asks the EN to certify the career counseling that was provided as part of the development of the Individual Work Plan. As mentioned previously in this lesson, at least one hour must be devoted to working with the beneficiary and devising a plan that will allow the beneficiary to meet his or her short- and long-term goals. The EN will need to list the dates of these sessions and the length of time spent during each session. Finally, the name of the counselor must be provided. The final section of the IWP asks the EN to certify the career counseling that was provided as part of the development of the Individual Work Plan. As mentioned previously in this lesson, at least one hour must be devoted to working with the beneficiary and devising a plan that will allow the beneficiary to meet his or her short- and long-term goals. The EN will need to list the dates of these sessions and the length of time spent during each session. Finally, the name of the counselor must be provided.

25. Check Your Understanding Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of the material we’ve covered so far. This is strictly for your understanding; no score is given or collected. Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of the material we’ve covered so far. This is strictly for your understanding; no score is given or collected.

26. Check Your Understanding When completing the IWP, Career Counseling and Guidance is already checked. Why? At least one hour must be spent with the beneficiary in developing the IWP This service is needed to assess the beneficiary’s skills and background This service is needed to identify jobs or trades for which the beneficiary is already qualified All of the above Answer: D Career Counseling and Guidance is already checked because the EN must spend at least one hour developing the IWP, assessing the beneficiary’s skills and background, and identifying jobs or trades for which the beneficiary is already qualified.

27. Check Your Understanding When completing the IWP, Continuing Employment Supports is already checked. Why? The EN is required to maintain contact with the beneficiary in order to provide additional encouragement and support Any initial supports that were provided will also count as continuing support The development of the IWP counts as continuing support All of the above Answer: A Continuing Employment Supports is already checked because the EN is required to maintain contact with the beneficiary in order to provide additional encouragement and support.

28. Resources for Success Technical Assistance and Support Center (TASC) Toll Free: 1-866-949-ENVR (3687) FAX: 703-893-4149 TDD: 1-866-833-2967 www.yourtickettowork.com Monthly calls All EN Call All VR Call You may have some questions while you are completing the redesigned IWP. If so, there are several resources you can turn to in order to get the answers you need.   First, you can call the toll free helpline for assistance from the Technical Assistance and Support Center, or TASC. TASC was established to address technical assistance needs of the participating ENs. In doing so, TASC can provide regional and functional services to help enhance internal procedures, increase Ticket assignments and payments, and ensure more Ticket Holders access and retain employment.   Additionally, service providers can visit www.yourtickettowork.com to obtain additional information, download needed forms, and review available training materials.   Finally, once a month, both MAXIMUS and Social Security host a call to discuss changes and emerging issues regarding the Ticket to Work Program. There are two separate calls: one for ENs, and one for VRs. The All EN Call takes place on the first Thursday of every month, while the All VR Call takes place on the second Tuesday of every month. Please contact your Account Manager for more information regarding these calls. You may have some questions while you are completing the redesigned IWP. If so, there are several resources you can turn to in order to get the answers you need.   First, you can call the toll free helpline for assistance from the Technical Assistance and Support Center, or TASC. TASC was established to address technical assistance needs of the participating ENs. In doing so, TASC can provide regional and functional services to help enhance internal procedures, increase Ticket assignments and payments, and ensure more Ticket Holders access and retain employment.   Additionally, service providers can visit www.yourtickettowork.com to obtain additional information, download needed forms, and review available training materials.   Finally, once a month, both MAXIMUS and Social Security host a call to discuss changes and emerging issues regarding the Ticket to Work Program. There are two separate calls: one for ENs, and one for VRs. The All EN Call takes place on the first Thursday of every month, while the All VR Call takes place on the second Tuesday of every month. Please contact your Account Manager for more information regarding these calls.

29. Key Points The Individual Work Plan (IWP) Before the IWP Redesigned IWP Completing the IWP Resources Before we end this presentation, let’s take a few moments to review what we’ve covered.   First, we described the Individual Work Plan, or IWP. The IWP is a contract between the beneficiary and the EN that lays out the actions both will take in order to reach a successful work outcome for the beneficiary.   We then described the steps that must be taken prior to completing the IWP. Before hashing out the details of the IWP, it is extremely important to do an initial assessment of the beneficiary to make sure that your organization and the beneficiary are a good match. If there is a match between the needs of the beneficiary and the services provided by the EN, then Ticket Assignability must be checked to ensure the Ticket can, in fact, be assigned to the EN.   Next, we identified the differences between the previous IWP and the redesigned IWP. The first is the inclusion of a Statement of Understanding regarding Ticket Program expectations. Second, the new IWP asks the beneficiary for alternate contact information. Third, there are clearer guidelines for EN services. And finally, the redesigned IWP is written from the Ticket Holder’s point of view, making it easier to read.   We then detailed the different sections in the IWP. Here, we detailed the vocational goal and expected monthly earnings, the six categories of supports and services the EN agrees to provide, the beneficiary’s recent work history, the conditions of the IWP, the rights and remedies, the signatures, and the certification of career counseling.   Finally, we identified resources to aid you with the IWP. These resources included the TASC helpline, the www.yourtickettowork.com website, and the monthly calls hosted by Social Security and MAXIMUS. Before we end this presentation, let’s take a few moments to review what we’ve covered.   First, we described the Individual Work Plan, or IWP. The IWP is a contract between the beneficiary and the EN that lays out the actions both will take in order to reach a successful work outcome for the beneficiary.   We then described the steps that must be taken prior to completing the IWP. Before hashing out the details of the IWP, it is extremely important to do an initial assessment of the beneficiary to make sure that your organization and the beneficiary are a good match. If there is a match between the needs of the beneficiary and the services provided by the EN, then Ticket Assignability must be checked to ensure the Ticket can, in fact, be assigned to the EN.   Next, we identified the differences between the previous IWP and the redesigned IWP. The first is the inclusion of a Statement of Understanding regarding Ticket Program expectations. Second, the new IWP asks the beneficiary for alternate contact information. Third, there are clearer guidelines for EN services. And finally, the redesigned IWP is written from the Ticket Holder’s point of view, making it easier to read.   We then detailed the different sections in the IWP. Here, we detailed the vocational goal and expected monthly earnings, the six categories of supports and services the EN agrees to provide, the beneficiary’s recent work history, the conditions of the IWP, the rights and remedies, the signatures, and the certification of career counseling.   Finally, we identified resources to aid you with the IWP. These resources included the TASC helpline, the www.yourtickettowork.com website, and the monthly calls hosted by Social Security and MAXIMUS.

30. Questions?