Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
__________
[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
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:
- 3. Personnel Standards
Describe the State agency's policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) to ensure that designated State unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including:
- 3. Personnel Standards
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 3. A. 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:
After the WIOA standards for qualifications of an RC II changed the definition of qualified staff, Maine DBVI has accepted the following qualifications of an RC II: a baccalaureate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field, such as Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Occupational Therapy or Social Work, and two years of experience directly working with individuals with disabilities; OR a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field, such as Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Occupational Therapy or Social Work.
DBVI will also take advantage of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Amnesty Program. Beginning January 1, 2020, the CRCC will offer a one-time CRC Amnesty Program to formerly certified professionals still active in the field who would like to reinstate certification. It is CRCC’s intent to bring expired CRCs back to the rehabilitation counseling profession.