Narrative: d. 2. Q. i.

Quality

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is committed to providing quality supported employment services to individuals with the most significant disabilities. VR supports the individual in making employment choices consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests. The scope of services varies based on the amount, intensity, and support needed by each individual.

The quality of supported employment outcomes is assessed individually. Each individual receives services that are individually determined based on the needs of the individual. A key component of evaluating the service is the individual satisfaction with the services and supports, as well as the successful employment outcome. VR makes every effort to provide opportunities for individuals to share their feedback on the services they received from VR. This feedback is useful information in adjusting and improving VR services. There are informal attempts to determine satisfaction as well as formal surveys, public hearings and satisfaction surveys. The VR counselor has regular communications with the individual and the supported employment provider to monitor, provide counseling, and assist the individual, as needed.

VR also recognizes that to determine the quality of the services, it is important to get feedback from the employer’s perspective, as well as the provider. Their input is solicited as well, and they are encouraged to let VR know at any point if they are having issues and need some support.

VR counselors work in partnership with the individual when developing the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). This plan guides the services and supports that are needed for that individual. The IPE is evaluated throughout the process and updated as needed.

Scope

The scope of supported employment services varies based on the amount, intensity, and type of support each person may need to obtain and maintain a job. Phase 1 of supported employment services includes intense services needed to help an individual with a most significant disability obtain and maintain a job of his/her choice.

Supported employment makes possible competitive integrated employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities and for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and because of the severity of their disability, need ongoing support services in order to maintain their job.

Service limits have been increased from 18 months to 24 months per WIOA regulations. Under special circumstances, the customer and VR counselor may jointly agree in writing to extend the time to achieve the employment outcome identified in the IPE.

Services are individually designed around the needs and desires of the individual and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Initial placement and stabilization in the workplace

• Job Coaching

• Assistive Technology

• Specialized Job Training

• Social Skill Training

• Discovery

• Formal and informal worksite–related expectations (e.g., time and attendance, dress, communication)

• Supported Self–Employment

• Customized Job Placement

VR has added Discovery as a service option to its array of supported employment services. It offers a more intensive person–centered planning approach for those individuals with the most significant and complex disabilities who may need a more customized approach to employment.

VR is in the process of adding a customized job placement option for individuals in supported employment who may need a more individualized job development process. Individuals in supported employment services will have access to this service as appropriate.

Post–employment services may also be provided when supports and services are needed which exceed the responsibility of the extended ongoing support service provider.

Extent

VR will continue to expand supported employment services by educating community members, providers, and relevant stakeholders on the need and advantages that supported employment provides for individuals and employers. Supported employment services are available for individuals with most significant needs who meet the criteria for VR services and supports.

VR has increased its focus on youth and has increased several initiatives designed for youth with most significant disabilities. The following experiences are anticipated to help youth in their desire to have a successful career.

• High School High Tech

• Project Search

• Post–Secondary Education programs

• Third Party Cooperative Agreements

The VR Transition Youth program collaborates with education officials and partners to offer youth with the most significant disabilities opportunities to gain work experiences that help them prepare for successful employment. These evidence–based applications of learning, which include internships and On–the–Job Training (OJT), often lead to successful employment.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) also provides the opportunity for youth to receive up to four years of extended services funded through VR, if necessary, and with the availability of funding. This is the only situation that VR is permitted to provide extended services.

VR will:

• Develop a new cooperative agreement with APD specific to supported employment and removing barriers for employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

• Implement the Interagency Employment First Agreement between the eight signatory parties. Continue to implement the agreements at the local level with appropriate stakeholders.

• Maximize the quality of service delivery ensuring an efficient and effective referral process, individual program planning, and coordination of intensive vocational services with extended services available for youth and adults.

• Implement an interagency planning process between VR and APD that defines and projects the number of people in need of intensive and extended services each fiscal year and facilitates program and fiscal planning.

• Expand available services through youth–related initiatives.

• Seek additional resources for Phase 2 services through collaborations with agency partners, including APD, Agency for Healthcare Administration, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Department of Education, and other stakeholders.

• Collaborate with community organizations, employers, families, and support groups to develop natural supports for supported employment extended services.

• Distribute information and train counselors about Social Security Work Incentives. Increase awareness of using a Plan for Achieving Self–Sufficiency or other work incentives as an option for funding extended services. Include training on the new Able Act as a potential way for individuals to fund their own services.

• Provide training on how to use natural supports, including self–pay, family/friends, and employers.

• Provide opportunities for counselors, providers, and support coordinators to receive training on innovative employment strategies designed to promote employment success for individuals.