<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 10.21.28.07" title_num="10" subtitle_num="21" chapter_num="28" heading="Assessment and Planning Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Vocational Assessment. Within 10 working days of initiation of MHVP services, MHVP staff assigned by the program director to conduct assessments, in collaboration with the individual and, with proper consent, family or significant others designated by the individual, shall complete a face-to-face MHVP assessment that includes, at a minimum:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Documentation of the individual's employment interests, preferences, and skills;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An evaluation that identifies the individual's competencies, work needs, and readiness for employment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Identification of obstacles and barriers to work such as transportation and impact on entitlements;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Relevant information from the screening conducted under Regulation .06B of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If appropriate, relevant information from previous vocational screenings or assessments.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Individual Vocational Plan (IVP).</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Initial IVP. Within 30 days of initiation of MHVP services and based on the vocational assessment completed according to §A of this regulation, the individual's employment specialist shall prepare an initial IVP:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>In collaboration with:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The individual;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>With proper consent, family or significant others designated by the individual and others involved in the individual's care; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>If appropriate and with proper consent, other mental health service providers, as available;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>That, if applicable and with proper consent, is coordinated with the:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services' (DORS) individual plan for employment; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Individual's individual treatment plan, individual rehabilitation plan, and case management personal plan;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>That is designed to assist the individual to identify, obtain, and maintain vocational goals;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>That identifies the individual's:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Strengths;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Vocational service needs;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Vocational goals, including target dates;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Vocational interventions, including but not limited to a systematic plan of instruction in work skills and behaviors to be learned and, if applicable, benefits management and staff responsible for implementation; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>Plan for obtaining a job that matches the individual's interests, preferences, abilities, and needed accommodations and adaptations.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>IVP Review. As frequently as necessary, as determined by an individual's employment specialist, and at least every 6 months, the employment specialist, in consultation with the individual, shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Review and record in the individual's employment record:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The individual's progress toward the accomplishment of previously identified vocational goals;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Goal changes, based on a review of the individual's progress; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Changes in interventions, including staff responsibility;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Communicate promptly the results of the review to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Relevant program staff; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>With the individual's consent, community mental health programs providing services to the individual and family or significant others;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Assess the individual's satisfaction with the job and the MHVP services; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>When the individual is employed through agency-sponsored employment, assess the individual's preferences and readiness for competitive work.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Signature of the IVP and IVP Reviews. The employment specialist shall obtain the individual's written or witnessed verbal agreement or disagreement with the plan, and, in addition, the following shall sign the plan and reviews:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The employment specialist; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Other MHVP staff responsible for implementing the plan.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Continuing Evaluation. At least once a month the employment specialist shall record in the individual's MHVP employment record a progress summary note regarding:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The delivery of services, including those outlined in Regulation .07B(1)(d) of this chapter, specified by the IVP;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Progress toward goal achievement;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Changes in the individual's status;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>If applicable, coordination with DORS; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If applicable, suggested changes in employment goals and vocational services delivered.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>