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BC Employment Program (BCEP)


Procedures

EI Eligibility and BCEP Referral Guidelines: January 12, 2011

Participation of Non-Income Assistance Clients: January 12, 2011

Client Intake Standards: January 12, 2011

BCEP Employment: June 10, 2010

Directed Work Search Standards: June 10, 2010

Individualized Services and Supports Standards: September 15, 2010

Client Pause during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010

Client Compliance during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010

Client Returned to Ministry from Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010

Client Transfers during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: January 12, 2011

Client Links to Community Services during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010

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EI Eligibility and BCEP Referral Guidelines: January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011

Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility Process – All BC Employment Program (BCEP) Bundles:

All new applicants must be assessed for Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility prior to determining eligibility for referral to BCEP.  New applicants who are EI eligible are not eligible for referral to BCEP.

Assessing new applicant for EI Eligibility:

Step 1 –  Review documentation for concrete evidence to determine if new applicant is in receipt of EI or likely to receive EI (e.g., EI payment stub, applicant listed on Common Claimant report as receiving EI, etc.)
Step 2 –  Unless there is concrete evidence of an applicant’s EI eligibility, contact ELMSD staff to check EI Reachback status or where further verification is needed.
Step 3 –  If the applicant is EI eligible (i.e. either a claimant eligible for income assistance (IA) top up or a Reachback), refer to other resources as part of the Employment Plan.  Resources may include Employment Assistance Services (EAS) to access Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) programs and services, and any other appropriate community resources.

BCEP Referral Guidelines:

The ministry will determine eligibility for referral to the BC Employment Program (BCEP) based on the mandatory requirements, and on the BCEP Referral Guidelines, outlined below, for those likely to proceed along the employment continuum to find sustainable employment.

Mandatory BCEP Referral Requirements:

New IA applicants and existing IA clients must meet all of the following mandatory requirements to be referred to BCEP:

  • Have no health or safety alerts on file (clients with health or safety alerts may be referred with supervisor approval and consent of the contractor); and

  • Are not currently in ministry or non-ministry related programs (i.e., a program that might interfere with a client’s ability to participate in the BCEP); and

  • Are not receiving hardship assistance except for lack of identification.

BCEP Referral Guidelines:

If all of the above mandatory requirements are met, ministry staff will then review the following guidelines to determine eligibility for referral to BCEP.

New IA Applicants (must be referred)

  • New Income Assistance (IA) Expected to Work (ETW) applicants [never been on IA].

  • New Income Assistance (IA) Expected to Work (ETW) previously been on IA [cyclers].

  • Expected to Work Medical Condition (ETW-MC) applicants who are able to participate in employment programming.

Existing IA Clients (may be referred)

  • Former EI pending clients [not eligible for EI or IA top up].

  • Expected to Work (ETW) or Expected to Work-Medical Condition (ETW-MC) clients whose Employment Plan (EP) has expired.

  • ETW existing clients who are able to participate in employment programming.

  • Former NEO single parents whose child has turned 3 and are now ETW.

  • ETW-MC existing clients who are able to participate in employment programming.

  • Former BCEP client, returned to the ministry for non-participation may be re referred to BCEP only if client has mitigating circumstances as determined by ministry staff.

DO NOT REFER new applicants to BCEP if they are

  • EI Pending and likely to qualify for Employment Insurance; or

  • EI Eligible in receipt of IA top up or EI Reachback; or

  • Have a confirmed job starting within 3 weeks.

Note:  In cases where applicants already have an open EM (BCEP) and EP at the time of income assistance application, they must be advised to report to the BCEP contractor who will continue to provide services.

Ministry staff must also complete the “Employability Screen” for all Expected to Work (ETW) and Expect to Work Medical Condition (ETW-MC) clients as per current practice.  However, the screen will not be used to determine Referral to the BCEP.  The “Client Employability Profile” may be used, as required, to support the employment planning process and to identify EI Reachback eligibility.

[For detailed information on determining Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility and referral guidelines, see Procedures, EI Eligibility and BCEP Referral Guidelines.]

Creating the BCEP “Employment Plan”

After reviewing the BC Employment Program (BCEP) referral guidelines, the ministry will refer eligible clients to the BCEP as follows:
  • Referrals are directed to the Contractor or Intake Service Provider designated for Client Intake within the applicable Service Delivery Bundle

  • Information about the Intake Service Provider (including name, location and possible appointment times) is conveyed to the client.  Note that each Region determines local procedures to communicate to the client about the Intake Service Provider (e.g., verbally, in a letter, or indicated on the Employment Plan)

  • The function and use of the BCEP Employment Plan remains the same as with previous employment programs.  Ministry staff:

    • enter program information in the system (new program code for BCEP is “EM”)

      • where applicable, identify the Intake Service Provider (note that the contractor is responsible for informing the ministry where Client Intake services are to be provided by a service provider that is not the contractor)

    • enter the BCEP Employment Plan end date 24 months into the future, this will allow for the maximum program duration and two possible pauses.  Note that MIS will not allow an end date greater than 24 months, however it can be set sooner

    • enter the BCEP Employment Plan review date at 12 months, this represents the average total length of the program where no pauses have occurred.  Note a review can occur at any time prior to the 12 months

    • print the BCEP Employment Plan and obtain a signature from the client (at which time, the Employment Plan becomes active)

  • To complete a BCEP Referral for transmission to the contractor, ministry staff

    • enter the new program (file type for BCEP is “EM”)

    • enter the Intake Service Provider (optional, depending on Client Intake procedures for individual contractors, as noted above)

    • enter optional “Referral Notes” to provide additional information relevant to the client (note that “Freedom of Information” considerations apply to these Referral Notes)

[See Resources for Staff: QRG – Employment Plan Procedures.]

Creation of the BCEP Employment Plan (EP) and EM file on the same day:

There are two critical steps to complete a BCEP referral: the creation of the BCEP Employment Plan (EP) and the creation of the EM file.  It is critical that these two functions occur on the same day for the following reasons:
  • The day the EP is created triggers the 21 day referral period for the contractor.

  • The day the EM file is created physically sends the referral to the contractor. 

Creation of the EP File
Within the BC Employment Program (BCEP), the date the EP is created is the date the 21 day referral period starts, regardless of the date the EM file is created.  For this reason it is critical that the EP and EM file be created on the same day.  This ensures that both the client and the contractor have the maximum period of time allowed to work together in order to determine a client’s eligibility for BCEP.  

Creation of the EM File
Transmission of the referral to the BCEP contractor occurs in MIS in the Comment or “COM” screen.  The following process must be followed exactly as described in order for the referral to be successfully transmitted.

  • Upon initial access to the COM screen, both the "Confirm Comments" and "Comments to Contractor" fields at the bottom of the screen are defaulted to "N"

  • The first step is to type in any appropriate comments

  • The second step is to determine if the comments are to be sent to the contractor or to just remain on the EM file, For Ministry Use Only
    • If there are comments to the Contractor, enter "Y" in the "Comments to Contractor" field (bottom right hand corner of screen)

    • If there are no comments to the contractor (EM File internal record only) - leave "Comments to Contractor" as "N" (bottom right hand corner of screen)

  • The third step is to electronically send the referral to the contractor regardless if there are comments or not.  This is done by entering "Y" in the "Confirmed Comments" field.  This step serves two purposes:
  1. It confirms the comments, and

  2. It transmits the referral

NOTE:  If this field is not changed to "Y" the referral has not been sent!

  • Once all the above steps described above are completed, the final step is to;  PRESS
                                             <ENTER> TO SEND REFERRAL

  • The referral has been successfully sent if the word “Referral” appears in the Program Status field on the MIS FIL U screen.  If it appears as "Ready to Send", this indicates the referral has not been sent.

  • If the referral has not been sent, go to the COM screen for the EM file in question, enter "Y" in the Confirmed Comments field, press <ENTER>, then check again.

Monitoring the ‘Employment Plan’

Employment Plan reviews will occur at the discretion of ministry staff.  However, there still must be a review that takes place at the end of the BCEP program and/or when a client is returned to the ministry. 

It is the expectation that the contractor will monitor the client during participation in the BC Employment Program (BCEP) and during any approved pauses.

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Participation of Non-Income Assistance Clients: January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011

Assessing Continued BCEP Participation of Non income assistance Clients

The ministry will, on a case-by-case basis, review the continued participation for BC Employment Program services of individuals who are no longer receiving income assistance. In general, a client may be allowed to complete their current service component only (i.e., Directed Work Search (DWS) or Individualized Services and Supports (ISS)).  An example for consideration includes a spouse who commences full-time work.  In exceptional circumstances, and with supervisor approval, the client may be permitted to complete the entire program.

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Client Intake Standards: January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011

Completing the BC Employment Program (BCEP) Intake Process

The Contractor will complete the following Client Intake activities:

  • Use the Referral information transmitted by the ministry to assist with the intake process

  • Make contact with, and obtain information from, the client to assess the strengths and barriers impacting their ability to secure BCEP Employment within 21 calendar days, i.e. their suitability for BC Employment Program (BCEP) Services

  • Based on this information, determine whether the client is accepted into the BCEP Job Club

  • Communicate the acceptance decision to the client

  • If accepted, inform the client of the BCEP services in which they will participate (All Bundles except Bundle 3 - Individualized Services and Supports (ISS); Bundle 3 - Directed Work Search (DWS) or Individualized Services and Supports (ISS)), and the location where services will be provided

  • Advise the client of program obligations that the contractor has established, and the potential consequences if these obligations are not followed

  • If not accepted, inform the client that they are to return to the ministry, and submit their employability strengths and barriers information

  • Communicate the acceptance decision to the ministry within 21 calendar days (i.e., client is accepted, is not accepted, or was “no-show”)

Handling Clients Not Accepted into the BCEP

For clients who were not accepted by the contractor into the BCEP, ministry staff will:
  • Contact the client to assess the appropriate next steps

  • Amend the Employment Plan as required

  • If acceptance decision is not received by the contractor within 21 days, the file will auto close at 26 days.

Referral and Return Note Standards

Ministry programming includes the ability to electronically communicate with service providers through Referral and Return notes.  As these notes are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), Ministry staff and Service Providers are required to adhere to the following standards to ensure the protection of personal information when completing either a Referral or Return Note. 

As a general rule, Referral and Return Notes are to be used with discretion and are not intended to serve as a regular form of communication between the Ministry and Service Provider.  When creating a Referral or Return note, you should include:

  • only factual and professional information pertaining to the client, e.g., last program attended;

  • only information that is considered beneficial and supportive to helping the client meet program objectives, e.g., any barriers to communication such as literacy, ESL, TTY;

  • only information that is defensible and non-judgmental, and would not embarrass the client or ministry in any way, e.g., the person appears to suffer from alcohol or other addiction.

[See Resources for Staff: BCEP System Return Codes Definitions.]

Note: Comments of a personal nature about an individual are not acceptable in any form of communication.

Handling Clients who are ‘No-show’ for BCEP Client Intake

For clients who are “no-show” for the client intake interviews with their BC Employment Program (BCEP) service provider, ministry staff will:
  • Contact the client to determine and assess the reason for the “no-show” and the appropriate next steps, potentially including

    • sending the client a  BCEP No Show Letter (HSD3191) [see Forms and Letters]

    • amending the Employment Plan, if other services are determined more appropriate

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BCEP Employment: June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010

On a continuous basis, during both Directed Work Search (DWS) and Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) in original BCEP, and during Individualized Services and Supports in BCEP Job Club or Modified Original, the contractor will:

  • Monitor each client to determine whether their employment circumstances meet the definition of BCEP Employment 

    • BCEP Employment is defined as an individual who is working a minimum of 70 hours per month at minimum wage or receiving employment income totalling at least $560 per month.  BCEP Employment could potentially be achieved through multiple jobs

  • Provide prompt reporting to the ministry on Client employment information

Ministry staff will:

  • Follow up on the employment information reported by Contractors in order to determine the Client’s continuing eligibility for BC Employment & Assistance 

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Directed Work Search Standards: June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010

Delivering Directed Work Search (DWS) Services and Supports to Clients

DWS services are only offered in original BCEP – Specialized Bundle 3 (Mental Health/Addictions)

Original BCEP – Specialized Bundle 3:

The contractor is expected to engage in the following Directed Work Search (DWS) activities:

  • Make contact with the clients and familiarize them with the services and supports available, and any expectations/ground rules specific to those services (e.g., including daily mandatory attendance by the Client wherever possible)

  • Provide workshops and/or one-on-one services to assist the client in developing/refining resumes, work search strategies, etc.

  • Provide the access/training/support required to enable the client to use the work search tools such as internet job banks, personal computers and fax machines

  • Provide the supports required by the client to secure and sustain BCEP Employment

  • Work with the client to address issues that may be impacting the client’s ability to secure and sustain BCEP Employment

  • Advise the ministry promptly in the event that a client is non-compliant with DWS obligations

  • If it becomes evident that a client requires services and supports beyond the scope of DWS, the contractor may re-direct the client into Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) after 30 days of DWS participation

  • If the client does not obtain BCEP Employment after the 60-day DWS services period, ensure a seamless transition into Individualized Services and Supports for additional services

  • Once the client secures BCEP Employment during the initial 60-day DWS services period, they begin the 60-day DWS “follow-up” period.  During this period, the contractor’s activities will include

    • support and maintain contact with the client to ensure that the client maintains BCEP Employment throughout the DWS follow-up period

    • work with the client and/or the employer to address issues that may arise that impact the client’s ability to sustain BCEP Employment

    • if the client loses their employment, work with the client to secure alternate BCEP Employment

    • provide follow-up reporting to the ministry

    • if the client has not retained BCEP Employment at the end of the follow-up period, direct the client into Individualized Services and Supports for additional services.

During DWS, the Contractor will also provide appropriate supports to clients from the following seven categories:

  • transportation

  • work tools / safety clothing / equipment

  • childcare costs

  • personal grooming / work clothes

  • food

  • licenses

  • other Supports needed to help clients become employed

Note:  The supports provided under the BC Employment Program should not duplicate supports already provided by the ministry (e.g. various health and dental benefits), and should not conflict with the general intent of supports as provided under the Employment and Assistance Act and Regulation.

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Individualized Services and Supports Standards: September 15, 2010
September 15, 2010

Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) are offered in BCEP Job Club, Modified Original and original BCEP

Delivering ISS Services and Supports (ISS)

BCEP Job Club – General Bundles 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10:
(1) In accordance with individual Participant Plans, the contractor will provide four general types of services to clients during the Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) service period within BCEP Job Club:
  1. Intensive Employment Services (during the first 30 days of participation) – to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment as quickly as possible. Services to clients include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • Job Search Club

  • Short Term Certificate training

  • Life Skills (limited in scope)

  • Employment Services
  1. Employment Services - to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment.  Pre-employment, placement, post placement and work experience services to clients include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • creating/updating resumes

  • advising of employment leads and/or arranging interviews

  • instructing clients on use of internet and email

  • providing labour market information to clients

  • offering networking tips

  • providing self-marketing advice to clients

  • providing an employers’ forum

  • maintaining a job bank

  • assisting employers (e.g. screening, referral and interviewing services)

  • marketing the BCEP/client

  • conducting on-site telephone interviews with clients and/or employers

  • client coaching and support

  • active work search by the client and/or the contractor

  • placing a client in employment

  • mediation in work conflicts between clients and employers

  • contacting and monitoring clients on a regular basis to assist the client in resolving any issues that may impact their ability to sustain BCEP Employment

  • providing post-placement coaching and other supports as required

  • assisting clients who become unemployed to find other employment

  • placing clients in work or volunteer opportunities and observing their strengths/barriers in a work setting

  • testing suitability for various types of work and/or building client’s self confidence, work experience and contacts
  1. Life Skills (limited in scope in BCEP Job Club) – to assist clients in addressing minor social and interpersonal skills barriers to BCEP Employment. Services to clients include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • communication, team work and interpersonal skills

  • conflict resolution, anger management, and dealing with criticism

  • personal management (e.g., goal setting and motivation, time management, personal financial management, self esteem, presentation and hygiene, manage change, problem solving/decision making)
  1. Short-term Certificate Services – to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining BCEP Employment. Where contractors do not have the capacity to provide short-term, certificate courses themselves, they may purchase from other agencies (e.g., public/private training institutions) a wide range of these types of courses to prepare clients for entry into the work market. Each course would not normally exceed 1 – 5 days (4 – 40 hours) in duration. Courses could include but are not limited to the following examples:

  • “Super Host”

  • “Serving It Right”

  • “WHIMIS”

  • “First Aid”

(2) As set out in Participant Plans, the contractor may also provide appropriate Supports to clients from the following seven categories:

  • transportation

  • work tools / safety clothing / equipment

  • childcare costs

  • personal grooming / work clothes

  • food

  • licenses

  • other supports needed to help clients become employed

Note:  The supports provided under the BC Employment Program (BCEP) should not duplicate supports already provided by the ministry (e.g. various health and dental benefits), and should not conflict with the general intent of supports as provided under the Employment and Assistance Act and Regulation.

(3) The Contractor will also provide services and supports for a “follow-up” period of 90-days, which commences at the point in time during the initial ISS services period when the client secures BCEP Employment.  During this follow-up period, the contractor’s activities will include:
  • Support and maintain contact with the client to ensure that the client maintains BCEP Employment throughout the ISS follow-up period

  • Contact the client at the end of each follow-up reporting period (at 30 and 90 days) and obtain/record the required BCEP Employment information (i.e., follow-up report)

  • Work with the client and/or the employer to address issues that may arise that impact the client’s ability to maintain BCEP Employment

  • If the client loses their employment, actively seek opportunities and place the client into alternate BCEP Employment

  • Provide follow-up reporting to the ministry

Original BCEP – Specialized Bundle 3:

(1) In accordance with individual Participant Plans, the contractor will provide three general types of services to clients during the Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) services period:
  1. Employment Services – to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment.  Pre-employment, placement, post placement and work experience services to clients include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • creating/updating resumes

  • advising of employment leads and/or arranging interviews

  • instructing Clients on use of internet and email

  • providing labour market information to Clients

  • offering networking tips

  • providing self-marketing advice to Clients

  • providing an employers’ forum

  • maintaining a job bank

  • assisting employers (e.g. screening, referral and interviewing services)

  • marketing the BCEP/Client

  • conducting on-site telephone interviews with Clients and/or employers

  • client coaching and support

  • active work search by the Client and/or the Contractor

  • placing a Client in employment

  • mediation in work conflicts between Clients and employers

  • contacting and monitoring Clients on a regular basis to assist the Client in resolving any issues that may impact their ability to sustain BCEP Employment

  • providing post-placement coaching and other supports as required

  • assisting Clients who become unemployed to find other employment

  • placing Clients in work or volunteer opportunities and observing their strengths/barriers in a work setting

  • testing suitability for various types of work and/or building Client’s self confidence, work experience and contacts
  1. Life Skills Services – to assist Clients in progressing along the Employment Continuum.  Life skills Services for Clients address social and interpersonal skills barriers to BCEP Employment include(s) but are not limited to the following examples:
  • communication, team work and interpersonal skills

  • conflict resolution, anger management, and dealing with criticism

  • personal management (e.g. goal setting and motivation, time management, manage finances, self-esteem, presentation and hygiene, manage change, problem solving/decision making)

  • health (e.g. mental health, substance abuse)

  • wellness and lifestyle (e.g. healthy living, nutrition, stress management, and parenting skills)
  1. Short-Term Job-Specific Skills Development and Certificate Services – also to assist Clients in progressing along the Employment Continuum. Where Contractors do not have the capacity to provide short-term, employment-specific courses themselves, they may purchase from other agencies (e.g. public/private training institutions) a wide range of these types of courses to prepare Clients for entry into the work market. Each course would not normally exceed 4-6 weeks (120–160 hours) in duration. Courses could include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • “Super Host”

  • “Serving It Right”

  • basic computer skills (e.g., MS Office Suite)

  • “WHMIS”

  • “First Aid”

  • work skills in areas such as construction, hospitality and retail sales

(2) As set out in Participant Plans, the contractor may also provide appropriate Supports to Clients from the following seven categories:
  • transportation

  • work tools / safety clothing / equipment

  • childcare costs

  • personal grooming / work clothes

  • food

  • licenses

  • other Supports needed to help Clients become employed

Note:  The Supports provided under the BCEP should not duplicate supports already provided by the ministry (e.g. various health and dental benefits), and should not conflict with the general intent of supports as provided under the Employment and Assistance Act and Regulation.

(3) The contractor will also provide services and Supports for a “follow-up” period of 180-days, which commences at the point in time during the initial ISS services period when the Client secures BCEP Employment.  During this follow-up period, the Contractor’s activities will include:
  • Support and maintain contact with the Client to ensure that the Client maintains BCEP Employment throughout the ISS follow-up period

  • Contact the Client at the end of each follow-up reporting period (at 30, 90 and 180 days) and obtain/record the required BCEP Employment information (i.e. follow-up report)

  • Work with the Client and/or the employer to address issues that may arise that impact the Client’s ability to maintain BCEP Employment

  • If the Client loses their employment, actively seek opportunities and place the Client into alternate BCEP Employment

  • Provide follow-up reporting to the ministry

BCEP Modified Original – Specialized Bundle 5:

(1) In accordance with individual Participant Plans, the contractor will provide three general types of services to clients during the Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) service period.
  1. Employment Services – to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment.  Pre-employment, placement, post placement and work experience services to clients include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • creating/updating resumes

  • advising of employment leads and/or arranging interviews

  • instructing clients on use of internet and email

  • providing labour market information to clients

  • offering networking tips

  • providing self-marketing advice to clients

  • providing an employers’ forum

  • maintaining a job bank

  • assisting employers (e.g. screening, referral and interviewing services)

  • marketing the BCEP/client

  • conducting on-site telephone interviews with clients and/or employers

  • client coaching and support

  • active work search by the client and/or the contractor

  • placing a client in employment

  • mediation in work conflicts between clients and employers

  • contacting and monitoring clients on a regular basis to assist the client in resolving any issues that may impact their ability to sustain BCEP Employment

  • providing post-placement coaching and other supports as required

  • assisting clients who become unemployed to find other employment

  • placing clients in work or volunteer opportunities and observing their strengths/barriers in a work setting

  • testing suitability for various types of work and/or building client’s self confidence, work experience and contacts
  1. Life Skills Services – to assist clients in progressing along the Employment Continuum.  Life Skills Services for clients address social and interpersonal skills barriers to BCEP Employment include(s) but are not limited to the following examples:
  • communication, team work and interpersonal skills

  • conflict resolution, anger management, and dealing with criticism

  • personal management (e.g., goal setting and motivation, time management, manage finances, self-esteem, presentation and hygiene, manage change, problem solving/decision making)

  • health (e.g., mental health, substance abuse)

  • wellness and lifestyle (e.g., healthy living, nutrition, stress management, and parenting skills
  1. Short-Term Job-Specific Skills Development and Certificate Services – also to assist clients in progressing along the Employment Continuum. Where contractors do not have the capacity to provide short-term, employment-specific courses themselves, they may purchase from other agencies (e.g., public/private training institutions) a wide range of these types of courses to prepare clients for entry into the work market. Each course would not normally exceed 4-6 weeks (120–160 hours) in duration. Courses could include but are not limited to the following examples:
  • “Super Host”

  • “Serving It Right”

  • basic computer skills (e.g., MS Office Suite)

  • “WHMIS”

  • “First Aid”

  • work skills in areas such as construction, hospitality and retail sales

(2) As set out in Participant Plans, the contractor may also provide appropriate Supports to clients from the following seven categories:
  • transportation

  • work tools / safety clothing / equipment

  • childcare costs

  • personal grooming / work clothes

  • food

  • licenses

  • other supports needed to help clients become employed

Note:  The supports provided under the BCEP should not duplicate supports already provided by the ministry (e.g. various health and dental benefits), and should not conflict with the general intent of supports as provided under the Employment and Assistance Act and Regulation.

(3) The contractor will also provide services and Supports for a “follow-up” period of 180-days, which commences at the point in time during the initial ISS services period when the client secures BCEP Employment.  During this follow-up period, the contractor’s activities will include:
  • Support and maintain contact with the client to ensure that the client maintains BCEP Employment throughout the ISS follow-up period

  • Contact the client at the end of each follow-up reporting period (at 30, 90 and 180 days) and obtain/record the required BCEP Employment information (i.e., follow-up report)

  • Work with the client and/or the employer to address issues that may arise that impact the client’s ability to maintain BCEP Employment

  • If the client loses their employment, actively seek opportunities and place the client into alternate BCEP Employment

  • Provide follow-up reporting to the ministry

Monitoring ISS Intermediate Outcomes

Where the client does not have BCEP Employment at the end of the ISS services period, the contractor will:
  • Return the client to the ministry and submit the Client’s employability strengths and barriers information

  • Report any intermediate outcomes achieved by the Client (e.g. volunteer placements, enrolment in further education or training, participation in non-ministry Programs)

Upon a Client’s return, ministry staff will:

  • Review the intermediate outcome and strengths and barriers information

  • Contact the Client to determine the appropriate next steps

  • Amend the Employment Plan as required

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Client Pause during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010

Approving and Tracking a Client Pause

Ministry staff will respond to contractor requests for a client pause during Directed Work Search (DWS) and Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) in original BCEP and requests for a client pause during Individualized Services and Supports in BCEP Job Club, or Modified Original, as follows:
  • Evaluate the request, based on client history and the contractor’s recommendation, which may require

    • a review of the client’s file to determine the number of previous “pauses”

    • a review of the “BCEP Participant Report” that provides the history of the client’s BC Employment Program (BCEP) activities 

  • Record the approval/non-approval of the pause in an Employment Plan review (no change to the Employment Plan will result)

  • Communicate approval or non-approval of the pause to the contractor when the pause ends

Upon receipt of the ministry’s pause decision, the contractor will:

  • Document details of a ministry-approved pause, including the duration and name of the ministry approver, for transmission back to the ministry

  • Monitor the pause and resume the client’s BCEP services once the duration identified to the ministry is completed

  • The BCEP system will automatically resume the services, if it is not done by the contractor

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Client Compliance during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010

Managing Non-compliance Issues 

Where potential client non-compliance issues arise during Directed Work Search (DWS) or Individualized Services and Supports (ISS), the contractor will:
  • Attempt to resolve compliance issues directly with the client

  • As required, contact ministry staff to assist in attempting to resolve the issue

  • If the issue cannot be resolved, return the client to the ministry (with the DWS or ISS non-compliance code)

Following a contractor’s report of client non-compliance during DWS or ISS, ministry staff will:

  • Promptly follow up with the Client to assess the circumstances

  • Determine the need to apply sanctions, including their continued eligibility for BC Employment Assistance, based on the information gathered

  • Amend the Employment Plan as required

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Client Returned to Ministry from Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010

Handling Client Returns

For clients to be returned to the ministry during Directed Work Search (DWS) or Individualized Services and Supports (ISS), the contractor will:
  • Advise the client of the decision to return them to the ministry

  • Advise the ministry by providing a “return code” to indicate the reason for the client’s return

Upon contractor notification of a client return, ministry staff will:

  • Contact the client to determine the appropriate next steps

  • Amend the Employment Plan as required

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Client Transfers during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011
  1. Where a client is participating in Directed Work Search (DWS) or Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) (e.g., Pre-Employment, client has not yet achieved BCEP Employment) and relocates within the Service Delivery Bundle, or moves outside the Service Delivery Bundle, the ministry requires the following:
  • Where the client moves within a bundle, the ministry will transfer the client's file and notify the contractor if applicable as per local processes
  1. Where a client moves between bundles if both the contractor and ministry agree that services can continue from the current Service Delivery Bundle, the client’s BC Employment Program (BCEP) file may remain open and the client can continue to receive services from the original contractor
  • If the client remains within the originating office, that office will be responsible for monitoring the EM file throughout the duration of the BCEP program and informing the office where the GA file has moved to of any changes to the participants status in BCEP
  • Where a client moves between bundles and ongoing service with the contractor is not feasible, the client file is closed and the client is returned to the ministry. Contacting the contractor to request closure and return of the EM file is the responsibility of the office taking control of the GA file. In exceptional circumstances, a client who has moved residence may remain with their current contractor if the client is nearing completion of a component. In such cases, contract managers from both the originating community and receiving community must agree to allow the client to complete their program and inform the contractor of the decision. 

    • The Ministry will contact the Client to determine the next steps and amend the Employment Plan as required

    • The client can be re-referred to BCEP within the new Service Delivery Bundle and contractor

    • If re-referred to BCEP and depending upon the results of the client assessment the new Service Delivery Bundle contractor will continue the client in the last service component provided by the original contractor.  The client will be placed in DWS (if available) in the new Bundle area, otherwise the client will be placed in ISS

    • The ministry will include an electronic referral note for those clients who are re-referred as a result of a transfer and the contractor will denote the client as a transfer within the Acceptance Record. The referral note will specify the client’s previous component involvement (i.e. DWS or ISS)

    • The BCEP service time bar for transferred clients starts at zero days upon acceptance by the new contractor (in original BCEP).
  1. Where a client is participating in DWS or ISS Follow-up Services (e.g., client has achieved BCEP Employment) and relocates within the Service Delivery Bundle, the ministry requires the following:
  • The client’s BC Employment Program (BCEP) file remains open with the original contractor to ensure a seamless continuation of Follow-up Services and Support to the client
  1. Where a client is participating in DWS or ISS Follow-up Services in original BCEP (e.g., client has achieved BCEP Employment) and relocates outside of the original Service Delivery Bundle, the Ministry requires the following:
  • Client changed bundles while in DWS follow-up and is moving into ISS, a bundle change is mandatory; the original contractor returns the file and the client is re referred to BCEP.  The client goes directly into ISS with the new Contractor (in original BCEP).

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Client Links to Community Services during Directed Work Search or Individualized Services and Supports Participation: June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010

Where the client is participating in Directed Work Search (DWS) or Individualized Services and Supports (ISS) and requires the following links to Community Services:

  • Housing

  • Drug and Alcohol

  • Mental Health

  • Child Care and Family Services

  • ESL and/or Literacy

  • Other

The contractor will:

  • Assist the client to access the appropriate community links to be able to continue  participation in the BC Employment Program (BCEP) (clients may participate in more than one community service at one time)

  • Ensure the client can maintain participation in BCEP while linking with the appropriate community service

  • Return the client to the ministry where links to community services are full time and concurrent participation in BCEP is not possible

  • Discuss with the ministry the feasibility of a pause in BCEP where links to community services are short term and medically related

  • The contractor will document the links to community services and report back to the ministry

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