The Veteran Supported Education Service Treatment Manual: VetSEd

C. Variable Service Intensity, Continuous Assessment, and Time Unlimited
Support
Innovative practice in mental health and rehabilitation services include services that vary
in intensity. This is in keeping with the ―up and down‖ nature of mental illness, and for
Veterans, the ―up and down‖ process of reintegration into civilian life. Veteran needs
vary and support is needed over the long term, given that reintegration to civilian life and
adjustment to mental health conditions is a process that occurs over years. Accordingly,
VetSEd services should likewise increase and decrease with each Veteran‘s need at any
given time. For example, a great deal of service may be needed during the initial step of
choosing and enrolling in a college, but these needs may then wane during classes and
wax during exam time.
VetSEd also involves continuous assessment of Veteran need. Unlike job placement
services, the work of the peer VetSEd provider does not end when the Veteran starts
school. To prevent setbacks, on-going interaction is needed as the school career
progresses. School systems have built-in mechanisms to regularly collect data about
progress; these include tests scores and course grades. VetSEd assessment is not limited
to academic performance. Other needs of the Veteran related to successful educational
goal attainment are assessed continuously. Some possible needs might include further
development of interpersonal skills (socializing with fellow students) and problem
solving skills (steps for obtaining educational accommodations).
Lastly, like other psychosocial services, VetSEd is best conceived as time unlimited, that
is continuing despite occasions of disengagement and reengagement with an education
program (Becker & Drake, 2003). There should be an ―open door policy‖ allowing a
Veteran to resume services easily following any service drop-out. Thus, peer VetSEd
providers deliver support that increases or decreases in intensity according to the
Veterans needs, and on the mutual understanding that reintegration into civilian life and
adjustment to mental illness are part of an ongoing journey.
D. Individualized and Flexible Supports
VetSEd is designed to be primarily an individualized service. The educational plan or
―roadmap‖ is Veteran specific. Goals and steps are tailored to the needs of each
individual Veteran. Given that the goals are specific to each Veteran served, so too will
be the design of the supports provided. Hence, this model uses a flexible ―whatever it
takes‖ support strategy. Some Veterans may need help learning to use the public
transportation system; some may need help accessing benefits, while others may need a
referral for family services.
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