Narrative: h. 3.

DBVI has strong partnerships with the Department of Health and Human Services, and specifically the Offices of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS).   The MOUs address the combined efforts that DBVI and DHHS have initiated and clarify roles to improve the successful outcomes for these jointly served populations. The MOUs are used to guide these agencies through a system change planning process for the purpose of implementing an aligned service delivery system that promotes evidence-based practices.  It contains information about policies and processes that pertain to maintaining and enhancing the relationship between these two entities.

Through these strong partnerships with OADS and SAMHS, DBVI has been able to maximize federal and state funding to Maine by drawing down its full federal allotment for public rehabilitation services and accessing employment support services through Medicaid waivers.  Additionally, DBVI, OADS and SAMHS have developed and are implementing joint approaches to the workforce development of community rehabilitation providers and business engagement throughout the state. Currently, DBVI, OADS and SAMHS are in planning meetings to develop one MOU.

In addition to providing ongoing employment support to employed individuals who are blind or visually impaired with mental illness through contracts with CRP’s, the DHHS Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) has the following initiatives currently underway to promote employment among the individuals they serve.

SAMHS contracts with Maine Medical Center’s Vocational Services to provide Employment Specialists that are embedded in behavioral health organizations across the state to assist individuals living with serious mental illness. They assist with career exploration and securing employment, and provide other supports as needed.  In keeping with best practices, these Employment Specialists work as a team with behavioral health professionals to improve outcomes.   This service is supplemental and not necessarily a replacement service for vocational rehabilitation services through the DOL Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, DBVI. 

Clubhouses help support members with overcoming barriers to employment by offering a variety of services such as in-house prevocational programs, transitional employment and competitive employment in the community with or without supported employment services. Prevocational programs give members the opportunity to contribute to the daily operation of the clubhouse on a volunteer basis while learning valuable skills. Transitional employment offers members the chance to work at temporary part-time jobs through Clubhouse partnerships with local employers, with on-the-job support from both the Clubhouse and the employer. Members also work in permanent positions in the community, at a job of their choosing, with supported employment as needed. There are five clubhouses in Maine.

Maine’s Workplace & Disability Connection, which is housed at the Retail Association of Maine and supported by the Maine Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services is focused on assisting businesses in attracting and retaining new employees and customers with disabilities, developing business leaders who value diversity and actively work to promote strong communities that include individuals with disabilities, and increasing opportunities for businesses to expand their diversity recruiting efforts, not as a social model but as a business case to recruit talent and better serve their customers.

Both the primary Community Support Services (Community Integration Services, Assertive Community Treatment and Community Rehabilitation Services) and Behavioral Health Home services require the development of an Individual Support Plan (ISP).  Every 90 days, through the Individual Support Planning process, individuals receiving these services are asked about their vocational status and about unmet vocational needs. SAMHS funds specific employment services and collaborates with the Department of Labor’s DBVI/DVR to provide resources to address vocational needs. In keeping with the fidelity of the model, all Assertive Community Treatment teams are required to have an employment specialist.

Six Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) are available statewide to provide all Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities access to benefits counseling services. This initiative is a collaboration between SAMHS, OADS, and the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.

Jointly Funded Employment Workforce Development System And Website

Maine has an Employment Workforce Development System that is jointly funded by DHHS (SAMHS and OADS) and DOL (BRS – DBVI/DVR). This provides infrastructure for coordinating employment specialist trainings, webinars and advance topical trainings as well as maintaining a database of certified employment specialists.

DHHS and DOL also collaborate on the development and maintenance of a comprehensive website, www.employmentforme.com, providing information on best practices and resources for employment for people with disabilities.  The website is divided into four target audience sections – job seekers, service providers, youth in transition and employers.  Another collaboration that is ongoing is the training and certification infrastructure.

DHHS (SAMHS and OADS) also made available Balancing Incentive Program funds to increase system capacity to support individuals with disabilities on the path to employment. This initiative included training for Work and Benefits Navigators, the development of an advanced Work and Benefits Navigator training for Employment Specialists, the development of a Pathways to Employment infographic, and training in Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment.