Person-Centered Planning

Finding a satisfying job that meets your needs

A good place to start is by determining your interests, strengths, job preferences and goals with the help and input of others who know you. This approach, called person-centered planning, will help you get the job that’s right for you, and will provide direction for career decisions down the road.

During your search for person-centered planning techniques, you may come across several new terms such as ‘whole life planning’, ‘MAPS’, ‘Essential Lifestyles Planning’, ‘COACH’ and ‘Discovery’. While these techniques may have different approaches to helping you find a job, they all start with you, the job seeker.

With person-centered planning, there are no standardized tests or evaluations. Instead, the process focuses on what you already know about yourself and takes into account what people close to you might know about your interests, skills, talents and goals. The people who are involved might include family members, teachers, and service providers. You may also reach out to people you know in other capacities, such as acquaintances from your church, sports league, or community group.

The person-centered process will also give you the opportunity to reflect on all aspects of your life. Great ideas for employment often emerge when you consider what you like to do in your free time, such as hobbies or volunteering.

Developing a profile for your job search

During the planning process, you will begin developing a profile to guide your job search. While there are no rules about what to include in your profile, here are some things to consider:

• What is your dream job? Even if it may not seem realistic, thinking about your dream job can lead to ideas for employment. It may also help you consider new activities for your non-work hours.
• What motivates you? Is it earning money? Making new friends? Being challenged physically? Working for a cause you believe in?
• What life experiences have shaped you, and what do you have to offer from those experiences? For example, has managing your disability, for example, required you to become a creative problem solver?
• What is important to you on a job? Geographic location? Pay and benefits? Opportunities for advancement? The work environment?

Once you develop a profile, it’s time to put your plan into action. Assemble a team of friends and family members to be involved in the planning process. Members of your team may know about job opportunities and can help you network and access support services to help you be successful on the job.

Your career plan is not a formal service plan. It is your plan. It’s flexible and can be changed at any time. If you are struggling with your plan, consult with your team to make necessary changes. Ultimately, career planning is an ongoing process and should help you achieve your goals, both today and in the future.

Now that you know about person-centered planning, are you ready to begin? The article Starting with Me: A Guide to Person-Centered Planning for Job Seekers will help you put a person-centered planning session together.