CAF VRPSM – Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Member

Transcript

CANFORGEN 151/07 is the authority for the Canadian Forces Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members or CF VRPSM.

VRPSM is a program that enables medically releasing CAF members to commence vocational rehabilitation training up to six(6) months prior to a 3(a) or 3(b) release.

VRPSM Training includes academic upgrading or on the job training with a prospective employer.

Eligibility for the program includes the following criteria:

Regular Force members must have completed Development Period 1 or DP1 and

Primary Reserve members must have completed a minimum two years of consecutive full-time service at the time of the injury, illness, diagnosis, or assignment of Temporary medical Category or Permanent medical Category (TCat/PCat); or having sustained the injury in a Special Duty Area (SDA) or Special Duty Operations (SDO) for which they are being released.

It is also important to note that Reserve Force Compensation is not considered paid service and WILL NOT count towards the two years of consecutive full-time service whereas an Extension of Class C service is considered paid service and WILL count towards your eligibility as a Primary Reserve member.

All members must be in receipt of a DMCA 3 Decision Letter with a Date of Release (DOR);

It is important to note that VRPSM is not an entitlement, but rather a program that enables medically releasing CAF members to commence vocational rehabilitation training for up to six months immediately prior to a 3(a) or 3(b) medical release, subject to the approval of a member’s Commanding Officer. CAF members participating in the VRPSM are on duty, and remain subject to all CAF administrative and disciplinary regulations. A member’s Commanding Officer retains the management oversight responsibility for a member’s participation in Vocational Rehabilitation training

VRPSM shall not be approved for locations outside Canada. Ideally, a vocational rehabilitation plan should be undertaken within a member’s current geographical location, or at their Intended Place of Residence or IPR, if exercising that benefit.

As a CAF member will be in receipt of CAF pay and benefits during the period of VRPSM, they shall not accept salary or other financial or material benefits associated with VRPSM activities. In addition, CAF members may not direct tangible benefits, including providing ‘free’ labour, to one’s or one’s family member’s business.

Reserve Force members pay is covered by Chief of Military Personnel Command, or CMPC, during this time through a national financial code.

All TD costs associated with a Regular Force member’s VRPSM plan are the responsibility of that member’s Commanding Officer, unless the member is posted to an IPSC where TD costs become the responsibility of the Commander JPSU.

CMPC is responsible for funding Reserve Force members participating in the VRPSM. Due to related pay issues while on VRPSM, Reserve Member’s are required to create a training plan that reflects a full-time program.

It is important to note that in addition to the six months VRPSM, SISIP’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VRP) may also fund an additional 24-months following a member’s date of release based on a SISIP-approved training program.

It is a member’s responsibility to seek out and identify the training or education opportunity for their plan well ahead of the six months from their date of release. It is important to note that Commanding Officer’s retain the right to manage or adapt the length of one’s vocational rehabilitation plan, for example number of hours per day/week in order to maintain the unit’s operational effectiveness.

For Regular Force member’s, their plan should align with assigned MELs, particularly if they are limited to part-time work or rehabilitation activities. A member may wish to consult their local Base or Wing Personnel Selection Officer with respect to any educational components of their plan. They may further wish to consult with other service providers such as Case Managers with respect to any Medical Employment Limitations (MELs) as they pertain to their plan.

Member’s should also consult with a SISIP Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor if their VRPSM plan involves continuation beyond their date of release (DOR). If applicable, SISIP’s written concurrence of one’s VRPSM plan should be submitted as part of one’s application.

You may contact the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) or a local Integrated Personnel Support Centre (IPSC) for a current VRPSM package and planning material.

Additional information on the CAF VRPSM may be obtained by:

•contacting the closest Integrated Personnel Support Centre (IPSC) or