AMENDED EMPLOYMENT PLAN

Once all required pre-approvals are obtained, the individual and counselor shall amend the Employment Plan to include goods and services identified in the business plan and include a plan for reaching case closure. While DRS may assist in the establishment of self-employment, the intent is to be self-sustaining. Therefore, DRS shall not be responsible for long-term, ongoing operational expenses related to maintaining the enterprise.

Once the amended Employment Plan is agreed-upon and signed, the planned services for the self-employment enterprise will be initiated.

Note: When authorizing, the counselor shall use the service/item (S/I) codes for self-employment enterprises (A7500 to A7580) and shall follow established purchasing policies and procedures. When closing the case the counselor shall use the code 3 for self-employment enterprises.

During the Employment Plan implementation, the counselor shall work closely with the customer and other involved parties (i.e., SEE Committee, professional who reviewed the SEE proposal) in establishing the enterprise (i.e., follow-up for goods on order).

Once the customer has started in business, the counselor shall arrange for a periodic review of the business enterprise. Items to be reviewed include the business’ books, profit and loss and income and expense statements, inventory, condition of the place of business, use of proper support, etc. In the event that problems or difficulties arise, the counselor may seek the aid of the SEE Committee.

Clear agreements between the consumer and DRS about how they will evaluate progress and determine success should be stated in the plan. Specific advice obtained from other professionals in the consumer’s chosen field, as well as from lending institutions, will be helpful in this respect. Lenders can usually provide formulas which they use in order to determine a business’s viability.

It is important that income and expense targets should be established and monitored. This review should be on a regular basis. Obtaining qualified advice about reinvesting available dollars in the business will be helpful to the consumer and counselor.