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:
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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:
(2) Plan for Recruitment, Preparation and Retention of Qualified Personnel
FDBS uses People First for recruiting qualified personnel. Managers hire selected candidates based on minimum qualifications with the expectation that candidates meet all standards within a specified period – usually one year. FDBS focuses on recruiting persons with disabilities and referring employment opportunities to disability organizations. However, FDBS remains an equal opportunity employer and hires persons with and without disabilities at all levels of employment.
All managers within FDBS struggle with filling vacancies in their areas, a nationally recognized trend with the COVID-19 pandemic owning most of the blame. Changes in the way agencies do business as a response to the pandemic also play a crucial role. Many candidates seeking to work from home pursue employment based on this as a benefit to employment. The FDBS generally does not allow teleworking one hundred percent of the time but allows staff to telework between one to three days. Salaries have a significant impact on recruitment and retention. To address this barrier, the FDBS director championed higher wages for the Human Services Program Consultant (i.e., VR Counselors) and Rehabilitation Specialists (i.e., Employment Placement Specialists) based on education and tenure in 2018. When funding permits, the FDBS awards a $2,000 pay additive to the base salary of Human Services Program Consultants who become CRC credentialed during employment. If a Human Services Program Consultant is a CRC at the time of hire, the beginning salary is set at $2,000 above the base salary. The same applies to Assistant District Administrators and District Administrators having or attaining a credential as a CRC. Legislation passed in 2021 requiring the state to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. FDBS continues to advocate for additional funding for team members. The Florida legislature increased all base employee salaries to at least $13 per hour in the 2021 regular session.
FDBS works with state universities that provide master’s degrees in rehabilitation counseling. Activities include attending board meetings and presenting to college classes upon request to share pertinent information related to FDBS and recruitment efforts. FDBS has strategic partnerships with St. Petersburg College, University of South Florida, Stetson University, College of Central Florida, and Daytona State College. Clients with master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling are encouraged to apply for vacant positions. The Florida State University’s (FSU) Visual Disabilities Program began offering coursework designed to prepare general and special educators, who are or would like to be working with students in Florida who have visual impairments. FSU offers this certificate program in two (2) segments through online content delivery and field experiences that will include hands-on practice working with students who have visual impairments. FDBS presents programs and current projects to FSU students, creating collaboration and an opportunity for internships with FDBS, LEAs, and our service providers.