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:
ARS reviews policies and procedures in all areas of personnel standards to ensure all personnel, including professionals, instructors, and paraprofessionals, receive appropriate and adequate training for their recognized certifications, licensures, and job requirements set out by their performance evaluations. Because there is no standard established by the State of Arkansas, ARS bases its personnel standards for VR counselors on the degree needed to meet the national CRC requirements through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC). ARS requires a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field, as defined by the CRCC eligibility criteria, and to be CRC certified. The Staff Development Section reviews the current training levels of all personnel, and will continue to ensure training is not only updated but elevates experience levels for VR counselors and required standards, evaluation of training needs, and timelines are established. Human Resources is responsible for ensuring all VR counselors and support staff receive training on the DSU’s policies and procedures and consequently meet the required standards set out therein.