Narrative: c. 1.

Following is a discussion of Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ collaborative arrangements with federal, state and local agencies and with private entities that are not formal components of the statewide workforce investment system.

Olmstead Subcabinet: The Department of Employment and Economic Development is active on the Governor’s subcabinet to implement the Olmstead Plan that was approved by the U.S. District Court on September 29, 2015. The subcabinet "embraces the Olmstead decision as a key component of achieving a better Minnesota for all Minnesotans, and strives to ensure Minnesotans with disabilities will have the opportunity, both now and in the future, to live close to their families and friends, to live more independently, to engage in productive employment and to participate in community life" (2013 vision statement). The employment section of the plan listed two population-level indicators: 1) Increase the employment rate of persons with disabilities so that it is comparable to the employment rate of persons without disabilities and 2) Increase the employment earnings of persons with disabilities so that they are comparable to the earnings of persons without disabilities.

Minnesota Autism Interagency Committee: Representatives from Minnesota’s Departments of Education, Human Services, Health, and Employment and Economic Development meet monthly to share information, departmental innovation, and the ongoing needs of individuals and families affected by autism.

Collaboration Grants to Provide Independent Living Services: Since 2008, the VRS/IL collaboration has served Minnesotans with the most significant disabilities who require both vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to meet their goals for working and living in the community. In FFY 2017 VRS dedicated $1.2 million in SSA program income to fund benefit coaches who are housed in every VRS office. The benefit coaches provide benefits and financial planning services for eligible consumers who are receiving SSI and/or SSDI Social Security benefits. This funding continues and expands the services previously provided by the SGA Project, a RSA funded demonstration project to improve employment outcomes for SSDI beneficiaries.

Minnesota Employment Center for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing: Provides VRS funded short-term employment services and state-funded long-term employment support services for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Awarded $450,000 for ongoing employment supports through June 30, 2018 to support five locations statewide. Services include supporting businesses and employers with education and training in how to work with employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as supporting employees themselves.

Career Ventures, Inc.: Program provides transition services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing from identified schools in the seven county Twin Cities metropolitan area. Awarded $87,786 to serve students from two schools and one school district through June 30, 2018. Students are offered opportunities to try work experiences, develop resumes, fill out applications and practice interviews while conducting career interest surveys.

Cooperative Agreements with the White Earth Nation Tribal VR program and the Red Lake Nation Tribal VR program: VRS and State Services for the Blind provide information, technical assistance, training opportunities, and support to the state’s two tribal VR programs. A formal process is in place for referral and transfer of cases in accordance with best practices ensuring choice. Although not a part of the formal written agreement, the Social Security Administration’s Area Work Incentive Coordinator plays a crucial role in providing technical assistance on benefits planning.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services: Memorandum of Understanding to enhance work opportunities for veterans with disabilities by sharing information, coordinating activities and offering complementary services.

Ticket to Work Employment Networks: VRS, State Services for the Blind and SSA co-host periodic meetings of the Employment Networks to provide staff training, updates on Ticket to Work procedural changes, and to promote Partnership Plus job retention services after VRS/SSB case closure.

The SGA Project: In 2017, Vocational Rehabilitation completed a two-year model demonstration project designed to provide SSDI beneficiaries information and support to develop an employment plan that maps out a pathway to achieve employment above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SGA Project utilized a rapid engagement approach in which eligibility is determined within three days, Transferable Skills and Labor Market Information are provided and Benefits Planning and Financial Education are initiated within seven days. Within 30 days of application, the IPE and a Placement Plan are developed. A benefits analysis is completed within eight weeks of application if needed. As a result of positive feedback from Treatment Team clients and staff, Minnesota has expanded the project statewide using a combination of SSA program income and state funding.

Professional vocational rehabilitation counseling organizations: Active participation relating to ongoing professional development for staff and to counselor recruitment takes place through well—established working relationships with and memberships on the boards of the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association, including the Minnesota Rehabilitation Counseling Association chapter.

Performance-based funding for placement services provided by community rehabilitation programs and limited-use vendors: Placement providers receive milestone and outcome payments for facilitating successful outcomes for VR customers. The first milestone is payable when the Placement Plan is developed, the second milestone is paid when the first employment shift is completed, and a final outcome payment is paid with successful placement closure. Beginning July 1, 2017, VRS included Placement and Retention Services information in both VRS Policy and Guidance as well as an electronic link to that same guidance within the Professional/Technical Contract for all Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) and Limited Use Vendors (LUV). Guidance includes guidance on Performance Based Agreement (PBA) milestones and outcomes as well as definitions and Service Types and Titles. VRS staff and Community Rehabilitation Providers express that the consistent guidance has reduced confusion and is leading to better common understanding about PBA milestones, invoicing and payments.

Interagency Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Disability Hub: Beginning October 1, 2017, DEED-VRS developed an interagency agreement with the Department of Human Services to provide training and support for Benefit Coaches/Independent Living Specialists as well as the support of certified Work and Benefits Planners from the Disability Hub who conduct all Benefits Analyses for VRS clients who are referred by VRS or the IL Specialist.