Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan* must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA:
__________
* Sec. 102(b)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- I. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development(Formerly known as Attachment 4.10)). Describe the designated State agency's procedures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated State unit, including the following:
- iii. Personnel StandardsDescribe the State agency's policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) and 34 CFR 361.18(c) to ensure that designated State unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including:
- iii. Personnel Standards
- I. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
d. 2. I. iii. I. Standards That Are Consistent with Any National or State- Approved or -recognized Certification, Licensing, Registration, or Other Comparable Requirements That Apply to the Profession or Discipline in Which Such Personnel Are Providing Vr Services; and
Current Narrative:
The State of Missouri requires that a qualified VR counselor must have the following minimum qualifications:
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in rehabilitation counseling, guidance and counseling, psychology, social work, or closely related field; and • Fluency in American Sign Language or other appropriate mode of communication if the counselor provides services to individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
MVR is pleased that two VRCs completed CSPD requirements for their master’s degree in counseling during FY2015. MVR has identified three VRCs who need supplemental coursework, certification or licensure to meet the requirements for CFR 361.18 and RSMo 337. At the end of FY2015, MVR had 142 VRCs who met the CSPD requirements. There are a total of 144 VR counselors, some of which are part–time positions. MVR continues to prioritize the CSPD funding of the VRCs mentioned above who are involved in university coursework, certification (CRC) and licensure (LPC). MVR is committed to ensuring that VRCs’ tuition, fees and books are funded to obtain necessary coursework to meet the above requirements.
The human resource manager (HRM) for MVR develops an individualized plan with each newly hired staff member to identify/evaluate specific staff development needs, required courses, available resources and timelines necessary to achieve the standards in RSMo 337 or the appropriate CRC requirement. The HRM also monitors each staff development plan to ensure that all objectives are met. As necessary, the HRM consults with the state licensing boards and CRC officials. All staff is required to submit updated transcripts to the HRM to ensure compliance with the objectives of the standards.
The above plan is non–discriminatory and encourages the retraining and recruitment of persons with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.
Annually MVR reviews the performance evaluations for rehabilitation staff to determine if they are consistent with the actual job functions, agency values and the Rehabilitation Act mandates. A part of this evaluation assesses their levels of performance based on the RSA performance standards and indicators.