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
- l. State Goals and Priorities
The designated State unit must:
- l. State Goals and Priorities
l. 2. Identify the goals and priorities in carrying out the VR and Supported Employment programs
Current Narrative:
Introduction
This section identifies the goals and priorities that DSHS/DVR intends to achieve throughout the planning cycle for program years 2020–2023. Activities described herein align with Washington’s strategic plan for workforce development as well as the operational components of this Combined State Plan. This alignment is intended to realize the letter and intent of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), to implement a coordinated service delivery system which supports the long-term labor market engagement of individuals with disabilities and improves services to businesses.
These goals and priorities also reflect analyses of DSHS/DVR’s performance as well as the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment, which examines the vocational rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in Washington.
Goals & Priorities
Goal One: Customer Service and Outcomes are DVR’s Highest Priority
Goal one reflects DSHS/DVR’s focus on providing high-quality services that result in high-quality employment outcomes. Based on Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) findings and stakeholder input, this goal prioritizes the importance of supporting customers in high-quality employment which offers the pay and benefits that support financial security and stability.
To achieve this goal, DSHS/DVR establishes the following priorities:
- Customers experience timely, continuous progress throughout the VR process.
- DVR customers achieve employment in living wage jobs with benefits.
- Students are better prepared to engage in VR services after high school.
- Individuals with disabilities have equitable access to DVR services.
Goal Two: Motivate and Inspire High Performing Staff
Goal two priorities reflect CSNA results, internal case review results, staff and stakeholder input which challenge DSHS/DVR to provide DVR staff with clear performance expectations, training, and working conditions that support their success.
To achieve this goal, DSHS/DVR establishes the following priorities:
- DVR staff achieve mastery in their work
- DVR excels in key performance indicators
- DVR is an employer of choice
Goal Three: DVR Collaborates with Businesses and Partners that Deliver Benefits to DVR Customers
Goal three priorities will improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities served by Washington’s workforce development system, as well as other agency partners and DVR service providers. As a core WIOA program, DSHS/DVR will contribute its value, expertise, and strengths to maximize outcomes for individuals with disabilities. These priorities align with the strategic and operational elements of this Combined State Plan and reflect the needs of individuals with disabilities served system-wide.
To achieve this goal, DSHS/DVR establishes the following priorities:
- Strengthen communication and collaboration with partners that deliver benefits to customers.
- Formalize and implement targeted business engagement efforts.
Goal Four: DVR Operations and Infrastructure Support Our Work
Goal four reflects DSHS/DVR’s commitment to improving the systems and practices that support DSHS/DVR staff and, in turn, affect customer service.
To achieve this goal, DSHS/DVR establishes the following priorities:
- Establish a reporting framework that informs decisions and improvements at all levels.
- DVR staff have modern, user friendly tools that streamline their work.