Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
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:
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[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:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 2. Plan for Recruitment, Preparation and Retention of Qualified Personnel
Describe the development and implementation of a plan to address the current and projected needs for qualified personnel including, the coordination and facilitation of efforts between the designated State unit and institutions of higher education and professional associations to recruit, prepare, and retain personnel who are qualified, including personnel from minority backgrounds and personnel who are individuals with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
Recruitment & Retention
VRBS has previously experienced challenges attracting qualified candidates due to low base wage, especially the trainee base wage. Through review and reclassification of positions, wages have been increased to a base rate of $21.28 for an individual hired in a training assignment and $23.78 for those fully qualified. This has aided the agency in hiring qualified, competent staff to provide services to clients.
Montana has no state university training for either Vision Rehabilitation Therapy or Orientation and Mobility. Therefore, attracting highly qualified professionals in these areas will continue to be a challenge for BLVS. Likewise, Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) staff continue outreach efforts to attract candidates from across the country to fill Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Orientation and Mobility Specialists. In other cases, BLVS must hire someone locally on a training assignment and pay for their schooling.
Montana VRBS believes in a personnel body that is representative of its constituents. Likewise, VRBS works with Montana colleges and other entities to recruit individuals from minority backgrounds, including Montana’s tribal peoples and persons with significant disabilities. VRBS takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment, qualified individuals of minority all minority status, including Native Americans and with people with significant disabilities.
Preparation
All new employees undergo VRBS Foundations Training to 1) establish an understanding of the values that underpin the mission of our profession, and 2) teach best practices that promote efficiency and excellence in the service of our consumers.
All employees are encouraged to build leadership skills via service on a variety of task teams wherein challenges are addressed, and solutions are developed. Current teams include Procedure Team; Quality Assurance Team; Youth Services Team; Business Services Team; Life Support Team (Administrative Support); Customized Employment Team; Self-Employment Team; and the Assistive Technology Team.