STANDARD 2                                         Individual Needs Policy

This policy formally recognises that each person with a disability should receive a service and program that is designed to meet in the least restrictive way, his or her individual needs and goals.

Dandenong Valley Job Support Inc. will ensure that:

Ø  The consumer has the option of support from an independent advocate or family member if this is desired at any stage of their program.

Ø   Each consumer will be assigned a case manager once they have been accepted onto program.  The case manager will work with the consumer and together, explore their needs, goals and employment requirements.  These will form the basis of the consumers Employment Pathway Plan (EPP)

Ø  The consumer will know exactly who will be responsible, what will be done and when it will be done so that their own progress and performance can easily be measured.

Ø  Once the EPP is agreed to, printed and signed by the consumer, it will form the basis of their program.  A copy of the EPP is offered to the consumer.

Ø  The EPP is a compulsory component of Service Delivery.

Ø  EPP's cover mainly those needs and goals which fall within the main activities of DVJS.  Assistance and liaison with other services may be necessary and may be incorporated into the EPP. EPP's are flexible to cater for the changing needs and goals of the consumer and are constantly reviewed at a mutually agreed time or individual circumstance.

Ø  The approach undertaken in developing the program plans requires full consultation with the consumer (and health professionals where necessary) in the development, implementation and review of each EPP.

Review & Evaluation of EPP's

An EPP review is undertaken as per the review deadline on the plan.  Reviews are conducted on an ongoing basis until the consumers file is no longer active they have withdrawn or Independent status.

During a review and evaluation of the consumers EPP, the consumer and their case manager consider the following

1.     Whether the agreed support has been provided.

2.     What progress has been made towards achieving goals and objectives.

3.     What amendments need to be made to reflect progress or changes and incorporate future goals.

4.     Whether changes made are to everyone's satisfaction.

Via case management, consumers continually participate and contribute in the evaluation and review of their EPP.  Once the EPP has been reviewed and is agreed upon by both parties, the new plan will be implemented immediately.

 Service Delivery

Staff and Management of DVJS, will make every effort to be sensitive to and meet specific needs of consumers in reference to their: Age, Gender, Nationality, Religious Affiliation, and Ethical beliefs.

DVJS endeavours to meet the specific needs of its Consumers.  Consumers may request to work with particular staff members to meet their needs.  Every effort will be made to maintain an even equilibrium of staff male/ female ratios.

DVJS will make every reasonable effort to assist the consumer obtain work that meets their skills and interests. At times, DVJS may present the consumer positions that may not be on the consumers EPP if the position is deemed to be suitable.  The consumer is not required to accept any offer of employment.

However, DVJS will not assist consumers obtain employment that may place either the consumer at risk or DVJS in a precarious position. Some examples of positions that would not be sought on a consumer's behalf are Night-Club Security, Topless Bar staff, Brothel Receptionist, Sex Talk etc.