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2 Year Modification

Plan: Missouri PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: i. 3. A.

Published
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:

    __________

    [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:

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

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2020-2023

Current Narrative:

MVR acknowledges the state code: 5 CSR 20-500.140 is the standard in Missouri for the highest degree required for VRCs.

The State of Missouri requires that a qualified VR counselor must have the following minimum qualifications:

  • a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in rehabilitation counseling, guidance and counseling, psychology, social work, or closely related field; and
  • fluency in American Sign Language or other appropriate mode of communication if the counselor provides services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For individuals whose master’s degree is not one of the above areas, MVR requires them to complete a certificate program in rehabilitation counseling.

Of the 138 VRCs currently employed with MVR, there are 125 employees who meet the educational requirements for CFR361.18 and RSMo 337. There are 23 employees who are currently working on a master’s degree/certificate program or awaiting approval to begin a program. MVR asks employees to wait at least 11 months prior to beginning their education programs to allow for adequate time to learn the initial duties of the position. MVR has found a higher success rate in performance and education using this methodology.

MVR continues to prioritize the CSPD funding of the above-mentioned VRCs who are involved in university coursework, certification (CRC) and licensure (LPC). MVR is committed to ensuring that VRCs’ tuition, fees and books are funded to obtain necessary coursework to meet the above requirements.

The human resource manager (HRM) for MVR develops an individualized plan with each newly hired staff member to identify/evaluate specific staff development needs, required courses, available resources and timelines necessary to achieve the standards in RSMo 337 or the appropriate CRC requirement. The HRM also monitors each staff development plan to ensure that all objectives are met. As necessary, the HRM consults with the state licensing boards and CRC officials. All staff is required to submit updated transcripts to the HRM to ensure compliance with the objectives of the standards.

The above plan is non-discriminatory and encourages the retraining and recruitment of persons with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.

Annually MVR reviews the performance for rehabilitation staff to determine if they are consistent with the actual job functions, agency values and the Rehabilitation Act mandates. During PY 2020, MVR transitioned from its paper performance evaluation to an electronic evaluation used by all Missouri state agencies. This evaluation is performed quarterly and provides rehabilitation staff with timely feedback on performance and professional development. MVR has a team actively working through the transition to align the evaluation with MVR’s mission, vision and professional development goals.